Monday’s lengthy Arlington Heights Committee of the Whole meeting resulted in nothing being decided on whether to allow video gaming locally. Instead, the issue was tabled to an undetermined time potentially leaving the matter in limbo for months, if ever.
Approximately 60 people, many of whom are residents, attended the session where no formal decisions can legally be made. An impromptu 4 to 4 to 1 show of hands was taken that revealed board members and Mayor Jim Tinaglia are deadlocked. Trustee Greg Zyck did not “vote”. Those saying they favor video gambling were Tinaglia and trustees Bertucci, Schwingbeck and Gilbert. Opposed were trustees Manganaro, Santa Maria, LaBetz and Dunnington.
Approximately 30 people spoke about their positions on whether to allow video gaming in the village. Most who spoke were residents of which a majority expressed their opposition in part because allowing the machines in separate areas of restaurants would damage the community’s reputation. Speaking in favor of the proposal were many local business and restaurant owners who said they embrace allowing electronic gambling because it generates money for their businesses and the village.
An analysis by the village’s staff shows that most communities in the immediate area permit video gaming. Not allowing them are Des Plaines and Park Ridge.
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