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Table Game Opponents Dress Up Save Email Print
Posted: 9:25 PM Jul 30, 2007
Last Updated: 9:25 PM Jul 30, 2007
Reporter: WSAZ NewsChannel 3
Email Address: news@wsaz.com

A | A | A

Signs both for and against table games are up all over the Kanawha Valley, but Monday, a group of table games opponents didn't just put up signs, they put on costumes instead.

These table games opponents dressed up as prostitutes and dealers on MacCorkle Avenue this evening.

The group's organizers say they're afraid that if table games come here, big problems will be soon to follow.

"We're here to say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Nevada is the only state of all 50 to have legalized prostitution we feel that if table games come here the next thing we know prostitution will be here,” table games opponent Todd Gunter said.

In the heated battle over table games, Todd Gunter said that someone shot his sign down and left it on his car as a threat, but he says that kind of opposition just gives him energy to continue the fight.

The last day to vote on the games is August 11.

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Posted by: Cody on Aug 5, 2007 at 10:43 PM
I think we should vote it in. I am a high School student and most pepole say we dont know much, but we understand it.Most pepole agree that the church is afraid of change as our most pepole, but were the future of this area and we agree we need to vote it in because if we don't our ecomony might be doomed. So invite change and see what the future holds.WE know the church is saying the track is corrupt, but it isn't anyone in this valley knows at least one freind who works or worked there.My best freind worked there my dad my mom. Also we don't make the choice that there will be hookers and pimps that is decided by the pepole of this valley so all we gotta do is keep our out for it and STOP it.They also talk about drugs however we already know there in the valley. Pepole say it will get there kids into drugs, but ever since 6th I have seen some good freinds turn corrupt over them.So you see we teens and pre-teens already know who has them in our schools so it will not be anything new.

Posted by: My God ! on Aug 2, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Get OFF the prostitution thing already. The point is Cross Lanes is congested enough and we really don't need all the new business there. There are PLENTY of open fields in West Virginia and ALOT poorer areas where people could use jobs. Give it to them.

Posted by: Darrell on Aug 2, 2007 at 12:16 PM
To Greg: You missed the point. Do you live in Cross Lanes ? I'm glad to see you have so much time to read the paper, watch the news and write "ignorant" comments in this forum. You must be one of those who needs one of those "promised" jobs at the track.I have nothing to do with any church groups however I DO live in the area in question and DO have a right to "INTELLIGENTLY" oppose such a thing. Give THAT a try. I didn't say Cross Lanes was crime-LESS ! I said that I don't want the run-off from all the new businesses that crop up, in my front yard and do you honestly think that crime won't increase with more of an influx of people not from this area. Since you read the paper so much, tell me why Detroit drug dealers are so hot in this area ? No answer ? I know we already have the crime, everyone does, but it doesn't mean I want more of it in our area. Put it in YOUR neighborhood Greg.

Posted by: Paula on Aug 1, 2007 at 08:36 PM
The people talking about an increase in the crime rate in Kanawha County if table gambling is legalized should research the statistics on the Nevada and West Virginia State Police web sites before stating illogical and unfounded conclusions. Comparing the crime rate per capita of Kanawha County to the crime rate per capita of Las Vegas, the crime rate in Kanawha County (52.12/1000 persons) is higher than the crime rate in Las Vegas (50.59/1000 persons). Las Vegas has a lower crime rate than Kanawha County, so that argument is invalid. As for drug dealers and prostitutes, table gambling has nothing to do with either of those things; both exist in Kanawha County and the entire U.S. and have for decades. Crime increases due to the lack of good paying jobs. People who cannot find work to support themselves and/or their families resort to crime or drug dealing to make money; poverty breeds crime. Lower poverty and lower the crime rate. Poverty is lowered by creating good jobs. Vote "YES"

Posted by: Tracy on Aug 1, 2007 at 06:00 PM
I don't live in a holler.I have been to las Vegas several times. PROSTITUTION is everywhere and it has nothing to do with gambling. There is no gambling in Los Angeles or New York, but there are plenty of prostitutes there. There are already prostitutes working all over Charleston. So please, get a grip.

Posted by: Melissa on Aug 1, 2007 at 02:38 PM
I'm for it.. I don't gamble but I think we need the tables here.. people are always saying there are no jobs here in WV.. well if this brings jobs why are people fighting it.. we need the jobs.. I hear people say "gambling ruins family" well I think when people can't get jobs that ruins families to..

Posted by: Christian American on Aug 1, 2007 at 12:55 PM
to those who are complaining about the "Bible thumpers" & "Church goers" and the tax exempt status of a Churh--Just because you go to Church does not mean you loose your right to speak up on an issue. None of the vote no signs I know of were paid for by a Church. There is a difference between Churches buying things and a Church memeber buying things. The Church is tax exempt but the members pay taxes on things they buy. Christians have the same rights as any other group to voice their views. As Americans everyone has the right to speak up on issues that are important to them. When I became a Christian I did not give up that right. We may not agree on an issue but I respect your right to speak up on your views please give me the same respect.

Posted by: Chick on Aug 1, 2007 at 08:15 AM
Legalize table games and the next thing they'll do is legalize drugs. They go hand in hand.

Posted by: Greg on Aug 1, 2007 at 06:46 AM
Darrell I agree with you. Ohh wait a minute, what is this? "This is the biggest lab I've ever seen," said Lt. Chuck Carpenter of the Metro Drug Unit. "It was very ingenious, with mechanical generators, glassware, beakers, tubing. It was a professional meth lab here." WHAT!!!! A meth lab in Cross Lanes? How can this be? They don't even have tables games at the track yet. Hum, I guess Darrel and these church groups need to start watching the news and reading the paper!!!

Posted by: Brian on Jul 31, 2007 at 04:52 PM
Gambling is gambling, its just more funat a casino or playing table games. Whats the difference??? Lotterry Tickets, dog racing, horse racing. Its all gambling? I support table games and travel out of state to play now

Posted by: Greg on Jul 31, 2007 at 03:45 PM
I have a question maybe someone can answer. Isn't a church tax exempt? Do they appraise church property? Isn't donations to a church tax deductible? I know this story made no mention of church, but it seems they are the ones screaming "NO" and I was just wondering if they had to pay a tax on everything like normal business/people do. Also (F.Y.I. Todd) there are some counties in Nevada where prostitution is legal, but the city of Las Vegas ( in Cook county I believe) isn't one of them. And where it is legal, I'm sure they take cash and credit cards, unlike the crack heads in our state.

Posted by: Tiger on Jul 31, 2007 at 02:35 PM
Todd Gunter needs to quit eating paint chips and get the facts right. Prostitution is illegal in Las Vegas. It is also laughable seeing these churchies trying to associate card table dealers with drug dealers. Tri-State won't be selling crack at the roullette table like the Christian opposition would make you think.

Posted by: Chris on Jul 31, 2007 at 01:29 PM
I think it would be great to have table games come in. Think of the employement it will bring. The benefits would be great. There will be families who will be able to better their family. More jobs, unemployement will decrease and welfare participants will decline. SAY YES! It will help our economy. Bringing tables in won't make the gambler. The person makes THEMSELVES out to be the gambler. PROSTITUTION, please! Just go up through strip bar alley or downtown Charleston at night. Actually, just look anywhere after dark and you will see it. Besides, prostitutes do it to make money, who knows, they may be hired to have a real job! SAY YES!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: lynn on Jul 31, 2007 at 11:10 AM
Where are the people living under rocks to think that we don't have prostitutes and drug dealers in the Charleston area!

Posted by: To Tracy on Jul 31, 2007 at 11:00 AM
Tracy, have you ever been to a legal gambling area(Vegas, Atlantic City)? My guess would be NO judging from your statement about prostitution! You need to get out of the holler more often.

Posted by: Michelle on Jul 31, 2007 at 11:00 AM
I don't know if these people are aware that there are plenty of prostitutes in WV. If you stand out on any corner in Huntington or Charleston late at night, or hang around the truck stop in Teays Valley you will see prostitutes out working. And they don't have on cute outfits like these crazy protesters they've got on sweat pants and have no teeth. Saying table games = legalized prostitution is like saying eating a cheeseburger = heart disease. It just doesn't make sense. There is a HUGE jump in logic there.

Posted by: Darrell on Jul 31, 2007 at 10:45 AM
My wife and I live in Cross Lanes and are opposed to table gaming. We are truly concerned about the elements that it will bring to our neighborhood. Although neither of us are what you would call prudes, we do believe that it will bring "seedy" businesses into our area and with that, drugs, prostitution etc. etc. etc.. It will also be bad for the lake which is home to many people due to the increasing run-off we get from the businesses that already exist across the interstate. Approval of this bill will bring more restaurants, stores, bars and motels to our area which will greatly increase the pollutants in our own front yard. We are CERTAINLY not opposed to more jobs for the people of West Virginia but feel that Cross Lanes is busy enough as it stands. This is our home and we don't want it ruined. If you must have table gaming, put it somewhere else !

Posted by: Joe on Jul 31, 2007 at 09:56 AM
The "NO" people need to wake up, will these churches and other groups fighting change provide good paying jobs for local people? Do they not realized that the track has been a casino for years, and that gambling is all over the place! At least now it will be regulated with a beneift to all with jobs, tourism and the effects of more people to the region will be amazing. Did anyone tell you about the tax breaks people in Nevada get due to gaming? The positive benefits out weigh the the negative ones. But I guess the "NO" people would just like for the meth heads and pill poppers to be the focus of the region instead of a positive, nice looking casino. Just like re-electing Byrd, WV is decades behind the rest of the country with no desire to improve!

Posted by: sadie on Jul 31, 2007 at 09:47 AM
although you may think this dress up goes too far --I'm not sure one way or the other --but what about the vote yes signs and billboard...no where on them is the word table games. They are signs asking you to vote yes to jobs -kanawha county -and seniors not this issue of table games being voted on. The vote no people at least tell you what to vote no for. Danny Jones may tell you on his racetrack paid ad that crime will not go up...well it has in every other place casinos go in. Look it up yourselves you can google it and get all the real information you need not paid for by either side.

Posted by: Jarrod on Jul 31, 2007 at 05:57 AM
I am so tired of "holly roller bible thumpers" trying to run everyone elses lives. If they don't agree with it, then don't do it. Quit trying to to control other people.

Posted by: Tracy on Jul 30, 2007 at 11:23 PM
I do not support table games. But these "NO" people are becoming more of an embarassment to the cause with each passing day. Why can't they rally with respect and dignity instead of using tabloid tactics to spread their word. Claiming that table games will bring prostitution here is just plain stupid.

Posted by: B. Brian on Jul 30, 2007 at 10:02 PM
I've been to Las Vegas five or six times and prostitution is unlawful there. It is legal in only 13 Nevada counties. Gambling and prostitution have been in Charleston for years. People have been gambling ever since ole Blue Pot rounded turn one 125 years ago. There is no real legit counter arguement for table games....unless you wish to continue the welfare state. If you don't want to gamble, stay away from the track. Vote YES

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 30, 2007 at 10:00 PM
It appears that the people who are opposed to table games are better organized than the people who are for them. For economic sake, I hope it passes but unfortunately it's not looking good.

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