Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, January 14, 1995 TAG: 9501160067
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
The officers, whose travel expenses were paid by the Virginia Riverboat Council, said the industry has had little effect on crime rates in their communities. One of the officers said the industry improved security because of the private guards the riverboat companies provide.
``Crime has actually decreased as a ripple effect,'' said Police Chief David King of St. Charles, Mo.
Lt. Dan Reardon of Davenport, Iowa, said he initially opposed riverboat gambling. But five years later, he's changed his mind.
``We get a million tourists a year and virtually have no problems except increased traffic,'' he said. ``It's been a great benefit to the community.''
The two spoke at a news conference along with Del. Jerrauld Jones, D-Norfolk, who plans to introduce a riverboat gambling bill in the General Assembly. The bill calls for a statewide referendum and up to 14 floating casinos in seven eastern Virginia locales.
Jones' bill has been killed twice in two years. But he says public support for it is growing and he is optimistic it will pass this time. Riverboat advocates say the industry will create 24,000 jobs and $123 million in annual state and local revenue.
Riverboat opponents say security in and around the boats isn't the primary issue.
They say crime in the surrounding communities will go up because many compulsive gamblers will have to steal to keep up their habit.
Keywords:
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1995
by CNB