JOLIET, IL – The Will County Board held the first of two public hearings on video gaming Wednesday in order to weigh the various arguments of allowing or banning the machines at 44 establishments in unincorporated areas.

Public attendance was low but attendees spoke in support and against the ban, while discussions between board members ranged from the economic impact the machines would have on the county to the moral implications as well as the bare statistical facts.

Chairman Jim Moustis made no bones about the fact that he is opposed to the machines. He said he does not buy the logic that since there is illegal gambling going on already, it should now be legalized.

“Lots of illegal gambling goes on in bars: craps, cards, sports,” said Moustis. “Should we just make all of that legal too?”

Still, many of the board members are undecided and keeping an open mind on the issue.

“This is not a perfect solution,” said Minority Leader Walter Adamic (D-Joliet). “But, I am willing to hear both sides because I don’t know if we will be able to cut our way out of budget problems in the future.”

Overall, members are still waiting and hoping more concrete guidelines and rules will emerge from the Illinois Gaming Board as well as details on how the money would be dispersed by the state. Partial emergency rules were approved by the IGB last week and a public hearing is set for early next month.

“I want to know what will happen to this money in the future if it is no longer needed to fund the capital bill,” said Brian Smith (R-Plainfield) “I get concerned about politicians getting their hands on a large pool of unmarked cash.”

“I am not for or against this,” said Joseph Babich (D-Joliet). “Let’s not make a judgment too hastily, though.”

A packet documenting 23 letters, e-mails and phone calls from constituents was given to board members at the start of the hearing. All of the enclosed documents supported a ban on the video gaming machines.

“The (General Assembly) gave us the option of choosing,” said Moustis. “So they must have figured that a certain amount of municipalities would opt out. If we don’t have the machines here, they can put them somewhere else.”

The next public hearing is scheduled for November 18th at 6 p.m. in the County Board Room. If residents are unable to attend, they are encouraged to contact their county board members to express their opinions on the issue. Contact information is available on the board’s website at www.willcountyboard.com.

###