Presentation on MediationShould there be a casino built in Cedar Rapids?

The Conflict:There has been a proposal for a casino to be built in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The vote took place on March 5th, 2013. The results showed that 61% of voters were in favor of the casino. Even though the majority voted in favor, there was still some opposition. Especially from nearby casino owners.

https://www.facebook.com/VoteYesLinnCounty?filter=3 http://www.change.org/organizations/just_say_no_casino

VS

Just Say No Casino

• The campaign is chaired by City Hall critic, Frank King▫ Argues that there is not enough information on the

casino location or management.

• Heavily supported by Riverside Casino owner, Dan Kehl▫ Spent $600,000 on the campaign▫ Argues that his casino would lose more than 30 percent

of its business▫ Proposed a family friendly waterpark option

• Also supported by other nearby casino owners

Vote Yes Linn County

• Led by Steve Gray (casino investor)▫ Stated that the casino would be located downtown▫ The casino would create over 600 jobs▫ Create millions of dollars in revenue

• Supported by Marcia Rogers▫ Argues that casino would generate $4 million annually for

charities (Iowa law)

• Supported by Mayor Ron Corbett▫ Bring more business to the city owned hotel and convention

center▫ Corbett discarded Kehl’s waterpark proposal calling it a

“last minute ploy”

Proposed Mediation

• Downsize the casino plan▫ Pair the casino with a small, indoor waterpark

• Cedar Rapids needs an attraction▫ 61% are in favor, even after an alternative option

was proposed

• Other casinos▫ Will not lose more than 10% of their business▫ Have other selling features (Riverside Golf

Course)

Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission

•Must evaluate and accept Gray’s casino application.▫4-6 months to complete application▫6-12 months to review application

Considers damage to surrounding casinos

•If the Commission denies application▫The community will be disappointed

61% in favor

Works Cited

Foley, Ryan. “Voters to consider plan for Cedar Rapids casino”. BloombergBusinessweek. 5 Mar 2013. Web. 27 Mar 2013.

“It’s Official: Cedar Rapids Casino Vote is March 5th”. KCRG-TV9. 18 Jan 2013. Web. 29 Mar 2013.

Smith, Rick. “What’s Next for Proposed Cedar Rapids Casino?”. KCRG-TV9. 5 Mar 2013. Web. 27 Mar 2013.

Smith, Rick. “Organized opposition forms to Cedar Rapids casino proposal”. The Gazette. 8 Jan 2013. Web. 27 Mar 2013.

Smith, Rick. “Riverside Casino Offers Water Park Alternative to Cedar Rapids Casino”. KCRG-TV9. 1 Mar 2013. Web. 27 Mar 2013.