CHARLES TOWN - A citizens group has formed in Jefferson County to oppose the passage of a referendum allowing casino-style table games at Charles Town Races & Slots.
Members announced Friday the formation of Vote No Table Games to work against the passage of the table games referendum Dec. 5.
"Citizens of Jefferson County voted down table games for Penn National once and our organization is preparing to repeat that defeat," Joe Brand, vice president of the group, said. "We want to provide citizens with information which is not covered with Penn National's self-serving spin."
The Jefferson County Commission approved the vote on allowing new gambling at the racino like poker, blackjack, craps and roulette. Voters turned down table games at the race track two years ago by a considerable margin.
In addition to Brand serving as vice president, the Rev. Doug Fraim of Harpers Ferry is serving as president for the citizens group, Jay Kilbane is secretary and Linda Hoffman is treasurer.
Brand said citizens can find information on the Vote No Table Games' Web site at
www.VoteNoTableGames.ORG.
"We want to get the documented facts out to local citizens about the adverse impact of a huge casino in our neighborhood," Brand said. "Despite the rosy picture gambling interests spend millions to present, this is not a good deal for our prosperity or quality-of-life in Jefferson County."
