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PHILADELPHIA, March 16 -- State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., is applauding Philadelphia City Council's decision to place a referendum on the primary ballot that, if approved, would restrict the placement of casinos in city neighborhoods.
On Thursday, city council unanimously agreed to place a ballot question on the May 15 primary that asks voters whether they want to ban slots from within 1,500 feet of any home, church, playground or school.
"City council should be congratulated for this action. If I were a member of city council, I would have voted the same way, and I intend to vote 'yes' on the question when I have my chance in May," Josephs said.
Josephs has been an advocate in Harrisburg for allowing the city government and its residents to have a say in where the casinos will be located and how they will impact neighborhoods.
She criticized the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for not providing enough access to casino applications during the review process, and she opposed legislation that would have removed local authority regarding casino zoning decisions and allowed casinos to ignore the city's no-smoking ordinance.
As a result, Josephs ensured that Philadelphia kept its authority regarding zoning and land-use decisions in the final slots law, as well as required city casinos to adhere to its no-smoking ban.
Josephs also stopped a plan to remove the power for approving riparian land conveyances. Legislation was planned to allow the governor to convey them directly to developers; however, Josephs was successful in getting it dropped.
"Here in Philadelphia, the new casinos will impact scores of neighborhoods and thousands of residents, so it is vitally important that residents have a say in where they will be located. This referendum will allow us to do just that, and I encourage everyone to vote on May 15 so your voice is heard on this issue," Josephs said.
Josephs, who chairs the House State Government Committee, reminded residents that they do not have to be a registered Democrat or Republican to vote on the ballot question in the primary, but they must be a registered voter. Residents can register to vote at her Web site, www.babette.org. The deadline to register for the primary election is April 16. For more information or for questions, please contact her office at 215-893-1515.
© 2006 - 2007 State Representative Babette Josephs. All Rights Reserved. 215-893-1515 | 717-787-8529