HomeMy WebLinkAbout09975RESOLUTION NO. 9975
A RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE 2003 STATEWIDE BALLOT QUESTION KNOWN AS
AMENDMENT 33 - VIDEO LOTTERY/TOURISM PROMOTION
WHEREAS, a proposed amendment to the Colorado Constitution known as Amendment 33
- Video Lottery/Tourism Promotion (hereinafter "Amendment 33") has been submitted to the voters
for consideration at the election to be held on November 4, 2003; and
WHEREAS, Amendment 33 would allow video lottery terminals, which are virtually
indistinguishable from slot machines, to be placed at racetrack locations throughout Colorado,
including a location in Pueblo; and
WHEREAS, Amendment 33 would substantially extend and expand limited gambling within.
the state while bypassing the constitutional requirement of approval of limited gambling by local
voters; and
WHEREAS, unlike limited stakes gambling presently authorized in Central City, Blackhawk
and Cripple Creek, Amendment 33 contains no limits on the maximum amount of bets, nor any
minimum age restrictions on persons allowed to gamble at the new locations; and
WHEREAS, the substantial expansion of gambling allowed by Amendment 33 is likely to
increase the number of compulsive gamblers in the state, including Pueblo, and produce adverse
effects in the areas where permitted, including increases in divorce proceedings, child neglect,
domestic violence, bankruptcy, suicide and crime; and
WHEREAS, Amendment 33 provides no express authority to impose local fees or taxes on
video lottery terminals to mitigate community impacts, such as increased costs for police and fire
protection, emergency services, traffic control and social services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PUEBLO, that:
SECTION 1.
The City Council finds that Amendment 33 would not be in the best interests of the City of
Pueblo and that it would likely impose additional costs and expenses upon the Pueblo community
and local taxpayers.
SECTION 2.
Council further finds and determines that the public interest requires it to take formal action
opposing Amendment 33.
SECTION 3.
Council finds that the Colorado Fair Campaign Practices Act, at C.R.S. §1-45-
117(1)(b)(lll)(A) authorizes the Council to adopt a resolution and take a position of advocacy on
any issue presented as a state-wide ballot issue.
SECTION 4.
Council hereby expresses its opposition to the Ballot Question known as Amendment 33 -
Video Lottery/Tourism Promotion, and Council hereby urges its residents to become familiar with
that measure and to vote "NO" to reject the measure on November 4, 2003.
INTRODUCED October 14, 2003
BY Al Gurule/Councilperson
APPROVED: Bill Sova/President of City Council
ATTEST: Gina Dutcher/City Clerk