Good news?
Word came down last week from Farmington that Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa would again pursue opening a casino in the county, nearly three years after walking away from the first attempt. That’s welcome news, especially in these tough economic times. We have no problems with such a casino as long as its operated properly, and there’s certainly every indication that the Hardy family would do a first-rate job of running the facility.
The casino would definitely be a boon to the local economy, employing approximately 125 to 150 people and generating additional revenue for nearby taxing bodies and businesses.
Local residents would also be able to visit a casino right here in Fayette County without having to travel to Washington, Wheeling or Pittsburgh for similar entertainment.
The big hope, though, is that the casino would bring visitors from outside the area who would boost our local economy. Surely that would help Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa, making it more profitable overall. As one of Fayette County’s largest employers, we all have a vested interest in seeing that the resort continues to grow and prosper.
It all sounds good to us. But unfortunately we can’t celebrate just yet. The state legislature still has to pass a bill legalizing table games, and there’s no sign that a deal is in the works anytime soon. While just about everyone agrees on the legalization of table games, there’s considerable disagreement between Democrats and Republican over how much the casino owners should pay in license fees and taxes.
Considering the length of the budget impasse, you’d think the two sides would be holding marathon talks to try and come up with a compromise. But we’re talking about Harrisburg, where nothing is logical or rational. In fact, the legislature is on recess until Nov. 9. That’s simply incredible.
It’s not as if this is a small matter. Revenue from the measure is expected to generate $200 million and funds for higher education are being put on hold until the matter is resolved.
Granted, House members are said to be on “six-hour call” and are expected to return to Harrisburg to vote if a deal is reached. But negotiations should be going on around the clock until an agreement is reached. And we expect our local legislators, including House Whip Bill DeWeese, D-Waynesburg, to be in the forefront of trying to broker an agreement.
The fear is that nothing passes or that what is approved, doesn’t work for the Hardys. That’s why it’s important for both sides to resolve their differences quickly without delay. The longer this stalemate goes on, the more opportunities there are for mischief on both sides.
So, while the Hardys’ renewed interest in the casino is a good thing, we won’t hit the real jackpot until the necessary legislation is passed. Some people might consider it a safe wager that such a measure will be passed eventually, but when it comes to state legislature we know all too well that all bets are off until a bill is actually signed.