WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |Blanco Opposing Nagin's Casino Idea
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BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Governor Kathleen Blanco delivered a decisive blow Tuesday to New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin's proposal to revitalize his devastated city by placing casinos in large hotels, saying gambling shouldn't be the basis for economic development in New Orleans.
Nagin said he hoped the governor would include the gambling proposal in a special session scheduled for November. Blanco's office is drawing up the formal outline of legislation that can be considered during the session, and her spokeswoman says the governor will not include Nagin's gambling proposal.
A call to Nagin's office for comment was not immediately returned.
Blanco's statement said she never believed that gambling should be the base on which to build the economy. Instead, she says people and businesses need federal tax credits and a stronger public education system to stimulate growth and reconstruction in New Orleans.
Nagin's proposal -- unveiled Friday -- already had received cool reception by many politicians. The plan calls for a large-scale gambling area in the city's central business district. Hotels that have more than 500 rooms would be able to add gambling.
But the proposal would require legislative approval and Harrah's Entertainment Incorporated, which runs a land-based casino in New Orleans, to give up its exclusive gambling rights.
