Sense of the Council Opposing Video Lottery Terminals Resolution of 2004
PR 15-1006

DC Watch Home

Council Period 12

Council Period 13

Council Period 14

Council Period 15

Election 1998

Election 2000

Election 2002

themail

Search DCWatch

A PROPOSED RESOLUTION IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Councilmember Adrian Fenty introduced the following resolution, which was retained by the Council. 

To declare the sense of the Council in opposition to the Video Lottery Terminal Initiative of 2004. 

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the "Sense of the Council Opposing Video Lottery Terminals Resolution of 2004".

Sec. 2. The Council finds that:

(a) The Video Lottery Terminal Initiative of 2004 proposes to establish a facility at New York Avenue, Montana Avenue, and Bladensburg Road, N.E., with as many as 3,500 video lottery terminals, which are very similar to slot machines;

(b) Unlike the kinds of economic development consistently supported by the Council, the introduction of video lottery terminals will worsen the District's struggles with crime, poverty, and addiction; and

(c) Several serious allegations of impropriety and violation of District election laws have tainted the Video Lottery Terminal Initiative of 2004 to this point, eroding the confidence of the Council and the public that the proposed initiative will appear on the ballot as the result of a fair process.

Sec. 3. It is the sense of the Council that the District of Columbia would be worse off with thousands of video lottery terminals than it is without them. Accordingly, if the proposed Video Lottery Terminal Initiative of 2004 appears on the November 2, 2004, ballot, the Council urges the voters of the District of Columbia to reject it.

Sec. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.