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.