Save Fort Wayne Opposes New Casino Proposal in Allen County
Introduction of Save Fort Wayne Group
A recently established organization named Save Fort Wayne, consisting of local business and finance professionals, has entered the debate regarding the proposed casino development in Fort Wayne or elsewhere within Allen County. The group created a website to actively oppose Senate Bill 70 and House Bill 1038, legislation intended to authorize the opening of a new casino in the city.
Anonymous Opposition and Advocacy for Public Referendum
Due to the sensitive political nature of the casino project and their professional commitments, members of Save Fort Wayne have chosen to remain anonymous to protect their careers. Their focus remains on encouraging fact-based discussions rather than personal disputes. A key goal for the group is to promote a public referendum that would allow residents to directly express their views on the casino proposal.
They referenced polling results indicating that as people become more informed about the potential negative impacts of expanded gambling, opposition tends to grow. The group believes that a referendum would provide a platform for concerned citizens and organizations to have their voices heard.
Legislative Progress and Local Government Response
Recently, Senate Bill 70 received unanimous approval from the Senate Public Policy Committee, which would enable the relocation of the Ohio County casino license to Allen County, specifically Fort Wayne. This development has accelerated the push for the casino project.
Mayor Sharon Tucker was approached for her stance on the opposition group and the possibility of a referendum. While the mayor supports public involvement in the decision-making process, she expressed concerns that holding a referendum could delay the project’s timeline.
Support for the Casino from Local Officials
The mayor and all three members of the Allen County Board of Commissioners have formally endorsed the casino plan through a letter to state lawmakers. They highlighted that 60% of the tax revenue from the casino would be distributed among communities in Allen County proportionate to their population size. The remaining 40% would fund a nonprofit initiative dedicated to addressing mental health issues, homelessness, addiction, and related social challenges, with oversight managed by an appointed board.
Pro-Casino Advocacy and Economic Arguments
Save Fort Wayne’s website appears to counter the online campaign by Fort Wayne First, launched by Greater Fort Wayne Inc., the local chamber of commerce. Since November, Fort Wayne First has promoted the casino as a catalyst for economic growth beyond gambling, including the creation of jobs, support for small businesses, increased tax revenues to improve neighborhoods, and enhanced public safety, parks, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
The pro-casino advocates argue that if the casino is established in a different community, Fort Wayne would miss out on these economic opportunities. They position Fort Wayne as the best-suited location to sustain economic expansion, community investment, and employment growth within the region.
