David Klepper, ASSOCIATED PRESS
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Rhode Islanders will face several referendums on this year’s ballot that, if passed, would authorize casino games at two slot parlors, repair classrooms at Rhode Island College and invest in water quality, open space preservation and recreation facilities.
Tuesday’s crowded ballot will also feature a question seeking permission to build additional affordable housing and a new state veterans’ home.
It’s the casino question, however, that has attracted the most attention and campaign spending. The Twin River and Newport Grand slot parlors want to add table games like poker and blackjack to compete with casinos now authorized to be built in nearby Massachusetts.
Rhode Island has long resisted efforts to authorize casino games, last defeating a casino referendum in 2006. Twin River and Newport Grand contribute about $300 million a year to state coffers. The facilities’ owners say casinos in Massachusetts will threaten their business and the revenue for the state. They argue that by adding table games, however, they can generate additional revenue and economic activity for the economically battered state.
Twin River and Newport Grand have spent more than $4.3 million on their campaigns for the ballot questions, which must pass statewide and in the host communities. Of that total, Twin River’s campaign organization had spent $3.9 million.
John Taylor Jr., chairman of the Twin River board of directors, said he’s optimistic that voters understand what’s riding on the casino referendum.
“In a state with the second-highest unemployment rate in the country, when we can go out and talk about protecting jobs and creating more jobs the vast majority of people say this makes sense,” he said. “Slots will continue to be the core of our business but clearly there are people who want to play tables.”
Opponents of the ballot questions, however, are hoping voters reject the idea. The Rev. Eugene McKenna, chairman of Citizens Concerned about Casino Gambling, said state leaders should find other ways of boosting the state’s economy.
“In a way, it’s our last chance. Once it’s there it’s there forever. We just think there are so many more positive ways to get economic development in RI.”
Other ballot initiatives before voters on Tuesday include:
-A $94 million proposal to build a new home to care for the state’s veterans.
The referendum would authorize bonds to pay for a new facility in Bristol, in addition to renovations at the existing home, which has been plagued with problems.
An unannounced inspection by the state’s Health Department two years ago found two examples of residents not receiving proper medical care.
A 2008 study called the facility’s condition antiquated.
– A $50 million plan to renovate campus buildings at Rhode Island College.
The college hopes to spend $44 million to refurbish its two largest classroom buildings, which haven’t had a significant upgrade since the 1960s. The work would involve modernizing the buildings to make them more energy efficient and conducive to 21st century classroom learning.
College spokeswoman Karen Rubino said the remaining $6 million would be used to expand a nursing and life sciences building.
Oscar-nominated actress Viola Davis, a 1988 RIC graduate, has lent her voice to radio advertisements in support of the ballot question.
– A proposal to spend $25 million on projects to help those struggling to find affordable housing. The ballot question would authorize bonds that would fund the construction or renovation of about 600 homes throughout the state.
– A $20 million effort to preserve open space, improve parks and recreational facilities and protect state water quality.
This ballot question, if approved, would spend nearly $10 on the acquisition and preservation of undeveloped land. Some $5.5 million will go to local governments for help in acquiring and improving parks and recreational facilities. The remaining $4 million will fund efforts to protect and improve Narragansett Bay and other state bodies of water
-A $20 million wastewater and drinking water construction project.
If voters agree, the state would issue bonds to finance $20 million in improvements to wastewater and drinking water systems around the state.
The money authorized by the referendum will be matched by federal funds.
– Voters in the city of Providence will also vote on a ballot question seeking approval for $40 million for a city-wide road paving project.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
