Didn’t get a chance to attend Thursday night’s town hall meeting in Gettysburg?
Here are some snippets from the some-25 area citizens who raised concerns, that didn’t make it into the paper.
A crowd of 200-plus people gathered at the Gettysburg Fire Hall, voicing issues before WGAL-8 and Times & News Publishing Co.
As expected, concerns over a proposed gaming facility at the Eisenhower Inn & Conference Center in Cumberland Township dominated the open forum.
“It’s a fantastic looking group. Sometimes, we only get 40 people. This may have set a record.” — WGAL News Anchor Ron Martin, event moderator, looking out over a crowd of 200-plus people.
“This is about jobs. We lost in the last go-round. I admit, it won’t create a job for every single person…but it will pump millions of dollars into our community.” — Pro Casino Adams County spokesman Capt. Jeff Klein, referencing Gettysburg businessman David LeVan’s first gaming project, the failed Crossroads Gaming Resort in Straban Township, in 2005-06.
“We’re not a preservation group. We have preservationists in our group. We are people who have gotten together and said that a casino in our community is a bad idea.” — No Casino Gettysburg spokesman Charles McElhose, a re-enactor and businessman who moved to Gettysburg in 2008.
“Six hundred random phone calls is not exactly a scientific study.” — Gettysburg resident Larry Bullis, referencing a survey by nationally recognized pollster Dr. G. Terry Madonna, finding that more than 60 percent of those surveyed in Adams County favor the proposed Mason Dixon Resort & Casino.
“Mr. LeVan has already committed to hiring Adams County first…and using Adams County supplies.” — Gettysburg resident Daniel Smith, a member of Pro Casino Adams County.
“I can’t watch your news at all.” — Gettysburg 3rd Ward resident Suzanne Merkey, to WGAL President Paul Quinn, regarding changes in digital television.
“I’ve been pulled out in front of, given the finger, and called dirty names four times since March.” — Gettysburg area resident Paul Wetzel, a motorcyclist defending loud pipes.
“In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it gets confusing. Who do we deal about this issue or the other? Our government seems designed to keep everyone divided. We’re trying to regionalize our Rec Park, but it’s: what do I get, and what do you get?” — Gettysburg businessman Gene Golden, regarding regionalization in county services, and state government.
“This is not on the battlefield and you can’t see it from the battlefield. The park superintendent has already said it won’t be a problem. The superintendent said it won’t tax their resources.” — Pro Casino Adams County co-leader Capt. Jeff Klein, on the proposed Mason Dixon Resort & Casino, at the Eisenhower Inn & Conference Center along Business 15, in Cumberland Township.
“Every year, I get five or six different tax bills. I’d like to see consolidation to one piece of paper.” — Gettysburg area resident Charles McElhose.
“WGAL should do a study (on the casino). It should be one question: yes or no.” — Concerned Citizens of Cumberland Township spokesman Al Ferranto.
“They’re not going to stop and patronize anyone else.” — No Casino Gettysburg spokesman Paul Moschette, an entertainer and casino employee.
“Can you help us organize a real, true, scholarly debate (on the casino)? Let’s take it to that level, with real data and facts, and not just stuff that’s thrown out for spin.” — Cumberland Township resident Stephanie Mendenhall, whose property borders the Eisenhower Inn & Conference Center, to WGAL-TV representatives.
“We’re concerned about a healthy environment for our students. It’s a great concern for those of us that deal with students on a regular basis.” — Gettysburg College professor Jan Powers, presenting signatures from 100 faculty members opposing the planned casino. Powers noted that there are three institutions here: Gettysburg College, Harrisburg Area Community College and the Lutheran Theological Seminary.
“When it’s done, no matter what, whether it’s yes or no, we have to bury the hatchet and be a community again. No matter what happens next, this community has to heal. We’re all friends.” — Pro Casino Adams County spokesman Tommy Gilbert.
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