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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