Gov. Ted Strickland has let his fellow Ohioans down. He has broken a pledge made repeatedly since he became governor. He was wrong to do so.
Strickland recently revealed that he has changed his mind about expansion of legalized gambling. He now supports a plan whereby the state lottery commission would install electronic slot machines at seven Ohio racetracks.
We agree with those who doubt the legality of such action. A major expansion of legalized gambling such as that sought by gambling interests requires the approval of Ohio voters.
Strickland held that view in the past, saying several times that he would not approve such an expansion without putting the issue to a vote.
Now, because of the state's budget crisis, the governor has changed his mind. He seems to believe that the hundreds of millions of dollars a year in revenue the state will reap from slot machines is worth breaking a pledge he made repeatedly.
We disagree.
At least three times in the past, Ohio voters have rejected proposals for electronic slot machine casinos or those with table gambling. For one reason or another, voters do not like the idea of more gambling in Ohio. In changing his mind, Strickland is going against the expressed wishes of the electorate. (Reprinted from The Warren Tribune-Chronicle)