In a rare visit to Adams County, U.S. Bob Casey Jr. admitted this week that he knew little about a plan that would transform a Gettysburg area hotel into an exclusive slots resort.
He did — however — acknowledge that “there are probably some other places that would be more appropriate for a casino.”
“This is one of the most unique communities in the state, with its history,” added Casey.
Local businessman David LeVan and former state lawmaker Joseph Lashinger have teamed up to form the “Mason Dixon Resort & Casino” project. LeVan and Lashinger are eyeing the state’s lone remaining “Category Three” slots license.
The key word: “state.”
“It’s a state issue,” said Casey, explaining that the federal government has “zero influence” in Pennsylvania’s gaming application process.
The first term Pennsylvania senator pointed out that gaming laws are primarily handled by individual state governments, opposed to the federal level.
So even if he receives a million calls and emails at his Washington, Harrisburg or Erie offices — pro or con — Casey won’t be a factor.
Neither will other federal lawmakers.
In fact, Casey (now in his fourth year in Washington) said Congress has “zero influence” over state gaming proposals.
“We have heard from people, but you try to point them in the proper direction,” he said.
Casey recalled LeVan’s previous gaming proposal in 2005-06: the failed Crossroads Gaming Resort in Straban Township. At the time, Casey was serving as state treasurer, a position he held until 2007 when he defeated incumbent Rick Santorum in the Pennsylvania U.S. Senate race. The plan was rejected by the state’s Gaming Control Board, primarily because of the opposition it generated.
“I sat in all of those meetings and hearings as treasurer, and every time, you’d have three or four people from Gettysburg in the front row,” said Casey. He called the project’s objectors “passionate.”
Supporters of the Mason Dixon project tout economic development and new jobs, referencing the eight percent unemployment rate in Adams County.
Opponents argue that the Eisenhower Inn, along Business 15 in southern Cumberland Township, is too close to the Gettysburg Battlefield, and will therefore “tarnish” Hallowed Ground.
Area lawmakers, such as State Rep. Dan Moul and Pa. Senator Richard Alloway, are staying neutral on the project, noting the divisiveness of the issue. They probably should take a stance, but refuse to do so.
Others, like Casey, simply don’t have a dog in the fight.
And he shouldn’t.
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