Steuben County "upbeat" on referendum

Steuben County officials say they feel positive about their second presentation to a gaming study committee at the Indiana Statehouse. They're asking the committee for the same exact thing as is Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry: a casino referendum.

Steuben County Economic Developmen t Director Gary Nielander, and former senator Bob Meeks made their second trek to the Statehouse Monday. This time, they were joined by leaders from cities within the county, like Fremont and Angola . This second presentation was more powerful than the first , according to Nielander.

"The big difference I think was the indication of the county support that we do have here," Nielander says the lack of that unity is apparent in Fort Wayne's bid for a referendum.

City and county leaders believe they can expand their three months of healthy tourism that is drawn in by the "home of 101 lakes" into a year-round asset, if Steuben County was home to a Casino.

A license isn't available right now for a new casino. However, Nielander says a license owner, Don Bardon, has visited Steuben County a couple times, looking for the perfect spot to which he could move one of two licenses from struggling casinos in Gary, Indiana.

Steuben County officials believe their proximity to two major roadways is a big asset. I-69 runs north and south through the area, while the Indiana Toll Road intersects the interstate, east and west.

The county has a 14% to 18% unemployment rate, right now, says Mayor Dick Hickman, D-Angola. That's why he's on board for letting the people decide if a casino, with 700 projected jobs, could be an answer to that problem

"This is our biggest opportunity and it's probably a once in a lifetime opportunity to get something like this in our community," said Hickman.

That sentiment was included in testimony to the study panel on Monday. Leaders hope the committee will reflect their aggressive pursuit in it's final report.

"I think we came away feeling positive about our presentation," said Nielander. "It seemed to be well received and we came away pretty upbeat."

The gaming study committee will write a report, laying out it's recommendations on gaming in Indiana. That report will be turned over to the state legislature when it's back in session in January.