Henry still wants gaming referendum

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry said he will continue to press for a referendum to gauge public interest in a casino.

State lawmakers have failed to get behind the idea two years in a row despite more than $90,000 Fort Wayne has paid to lobbyists on the issue.

Republican Rep. Jeff Espich of Uniondale says communities rarely hold referendums until they are applying for a casino license and questions the need for one at this point in Fort Wayne.

Henry hasn't said whether he will support expanding gambling to Fort Wayne but insists he wants to know how the public feels.

Lawmakers traditionally have opposed expanding gambling. Many of the state's casinos are struggling financially because of the poor economy.

Information from: The Journal Gazette, http://www.journalgazette.net