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September 27, 2007

Concern raised over casino’s impact on local bingo

By MaryAlice Meli

Enon Valley’s fire chief asked the Lawrence County commissioners about a slots casino’s possible negative impact on bingo games.

The commissioners were at the borough fire hall last night, as part of their effort to take county government into at least eight communities a year over the past three years.

Fire Chief Ben Hostetter expressed concern that “casinos will draw people away from bingos.”

Enon’s successful fund-raising through bingo, dinners and breakfasts can be seen in the new, white tables and matching chairs, as well as equipment for the department.

Commissioner Dan Vogler said the novelty will draw many people after the casinos open, but that bingo loyalists are not likely to be lured for long. He added the commissioners will have to take a hard look at how to help fire departments offset costs should the casino hurt them.

Commissioner Steve Craig said it might help to look at how fire company fund-raising efforts have been affected by casinos in Erie and Wilkes-Barre, which opened recently.

Vogler said the public will get a chance to question Centaur Corp. representatives on Oct. 30. That’s when the commissioners take their meeting to Mahoning Township, where the company will build a harness racetrack and casino. The state recently granted Centaur its last harness racing license.

Vogler noted opportunities for economic development will be extensive, with 14,000 people a day expected to visit the track.

He pointed out an economic boom to the Enon area may come with the completion of construction on the new turnpike warehouse distribution center in Big Beaver Borough, near the county border. He said the appeal of the area may encourage people to want to live here.

Resident Nancy Clawson asked if the county can provide financial assistance to small communities such as Enon to upgrade police service. Enon shares an officer with Little Beaver Township.

Vogler suggested the borough explore sharing services also with nearby Beaver County towns.

However, Dewey Clawson, Nancy’s husband and vice president of Enon’s borough council, said officials have discussed doing that with Darlington Township.

He noted police officers resisted the idea because of the differences between the judiciaries in Beaver and Lawrence counties, especially when an arrest must be processed, and the extra time that may be needed with different paperwork as well as travel.

Vogler directed the Clawsons to discuss the matter with the county’s public safety director, the council of governments director and state Rep. Chris Sainato and state Sen. Gerald LaValle.

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