THANK YOU!!!!!

With 58.9% of the vote, table games were overwhelmingly approved in Jefferson County yesterday.  It was truly a great day for Jefferson County and West Virginia.  Thank you to everyone who supported the cause. It was very much a team effort of local citizens and it was a pleasure to be involved such great folks.  I’d like to encourage you all to stay involved with Jefferson County.  Volunteer on your local nonprofit boards and get appointed to local government boards and commissions.  We can all come together to continue to make Jefferson County the special place that it is.  We can work together on economic development and land use issues to assure progress is made.  I look forward to working with you all on these issues going forward.

Thank you Jefferson County!

-Eric Lewis

Chair – voteyestablegames.org

Welcome to the truth about table games

Hi there.  If  you have arrived here from votenotablegames.com or .net (or some other source while searching for info) we’d like to introduce you to the real facts about table games.  If you want to get info on the vote no effort please see www.votenotablegames.org – but please bear in mind that much of the “information” on their site is misleading, incorrect and/or irrelevant.  It is full of scare tactics that have no basis in reality.  You will, however, find the real truth here.

Here at voteyestablegames.org we’ve made an effort to get the real facts out there about the huge benefits table games will bring to Jefferson County.   The real facts support a YES.

The Observer Endorses Table Games!

Check out www.wvobserver.com for their endorsement and a nice article written by David Lillard detailing his recent trip to Wheeling Downs and his feelings on table games at CTR&S.  Thanks, WV Observer, for standing up for what you believe in and looking at the facts to make your endorsement.

Gateway New Economy Council Publishes Economic Study

The Gateway New Economy Council recently published a new study on the economic impact of Charles Town Races & Slots on Jefferson County currently and with the projections from the proposed table games.  Its a very well written piece of research with interesting facts that most citizens don’t normally consider.  We recommend you download and read a copy at www.gnec.org  The study was jointly published by GNEC, the Jefferson County Development Authority and the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce in an effort to have unbiased data on the economics of CTR&S available to the public.

 

Martinsburg Journal Endorses Table Games

The Martinsburg Journal has just published a very good, on-point editorial endorsing table games.  They certainly “get it” and have done a great job of covering the issue. 

(text below is from www.journal-news.net):

High Stakes

Jefferson County has much to lose if table games are not approved

 Friday, November 13, 2009

http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/527818.html?nav=5003

 

A high-stakes gamble is under way in Jefferson County. The outcome will have a very real impact on the economy, the residents, county and local municipalities, as well as infrastructure. Early voting began today for a referendum vote slated for Dec. 5 to determine whether to legalize table games in the county.

This issue has been brought forth by Charles Town Races & Slots and its parent company, Penn National Gaming Inc. The racino seeks to add table games as an option for customers so that it may compete with newly approved slots operations in border states as well as other establishments that also offer table games – both in the state and out.

The Dec. 5 vote will mark the second time the racino has brought the issue before voters – the last being met with sound defeat. In summer 2007, Jefferson Countians rejected table games at Charles Town Races & Slots 56 to 44 percent. At the same time, voters in Hancock, Ohio and Kanawha counties approved table games for racetracks in those regions.

At that time, The Journal endorsed the idea of allowing table games at the local racino. It made sense to us then – when looking at the alternatives.

And it makes even more sense now – given the worsening economic climate and the negative ramifications for the company, as well as the community, if Charles Town Races & Slots cannot compete with similar establishments.

When we looked at all of the information swirling in the region about this issue, we found there were a lot of misperceptions that Journal reporters have dispelled through balanced, accurate reporting.

Here are some facts from recent Journal coverage as well as additional materials from Charles Town Races and Slots in regard to table games:

Fact: The West Virginia Lottery Commission estimates that $6.4 million would be generated for Jefferson County, the schools and municipalities in Fiscal Year 2012.

Nearly $4 million of this will go to the Jefferson County Board of Education for capital improvements.

Fact: Table games is the only viable way for Charles Town Races & Slots to compete with slots coming online in Maryland and preserve our local revenues.

Fact: Table games will bring more than 500 new, local jobs to Jefferson County. Charles Town Races & Slots intends to hire hundreds of local residents to fill the many new jobs that would come as a result of table games.

Eligible employees will continue to receive full benefits, tuition reimbursement and access to the on-site health center.

Fact: Northern Panhandle dealers already earn up to $45,000 per year with tips plus benefits.

Fact: Table games would generate nearly an additional $4.8 million annually for the purses and breeders’ funds.

In 2008, approximately $39 million was generated by video lottery dollars for horseracing purses and breeders’ funds.

Fact: The Charles Town Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, the West Virginia Thoroughbred Breeders Association and the West Virginia Breeders Classics all have endorsed table games at Charles Town Races & Slots.

Fact: Other endorsements in support of the table games initiatives are numerous and include:

Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce

Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Ranson Convention & Visitors Bureau

Shepherdstown Visitors Center

West Virginia Tourism Commission

Jefferson County Board of Education

Jefferson County Schools Education Foundation

Jefferson County Development Authority

Charles Town City Council and

Charles Town Mayor Peggy Smith.

We now add The Journal to that list.

In any successful strategy, timing is everything. We believe the time is right for table games to be allowed within Jefferson County.

And we hope that the one thing voters won’t gamble with is the future economic stability of the county, the jobs that would be lost if this measure doesn’t pass and the tremendous funding sources the racino provides through its taxes and charitable contributions.

If you are unable to take advantage of early voting – which ends Dec. 2 – then we hope you will weigh in at the polls on Dec. 5.

The outcome of this vote is not something to leave to chance.

 

Anti-Table Games Group Stoops to New Low on Halloween

There have been various reports that the Vote No group distributed anti-table games propaganda to children during trick-or-treating in Charles Town… We obtained a copy of the ridiculously misleading flyer. See it here .   Its offensive on a variety of levels.  First, it shows a 5 or 6 year old boy smoking a cigar and playing cards.  Second, it was distributed to children.  If PNGI had distributed Vote Yes flyers on trick-or-treat it would have been a definite violation of the law.  They knew bettter.  The Vote No folks apparantly just don’t care.  As far as the FACTS go, the flier says that “The money promised for schools can’t be used where its needed most – for our teachers’ salaries and supplies.”  That’s just not true and the JC Board of Ed confirms that in their endorsement.  The JC Board of Ed spends millions every year on capital assets from its General Fund. Table games money used for these items will free up money from the General Fund to be used for salary increases for personnel (not just teachers) and other capital assets.  The flyer also talks about teenage gambling addiction.  Did you know that when we pass table games, the gambling age will increase from 18 to 21?  Definitely contradicts their assertion that we’ll have a bunch of teenagers at CTR&S gambling.  That allegation is baseless and ridiculous.    The FACTS are on our side.  The FACTS make a YES a no-brainer.  Don’t stoop to their level.  Just help us get the FACTS out there and we’ll win this thing.   Thanks for your support.

Jefferson County Board of Education and Jefferson County Schools Education Foundation both endorse passage of table games!

Press release from Charles Town Races & Slots.  Great news for Jefferson County!

JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION AND JEFFERSON COUNTY SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION ENDORSE TABLE GAMES

 

Charles Town, WV (October 29, 2009) – Charles Town Races & Slots is pleased to announce that the Jefferson County Board of Education and Jefferson County Schools Education Foundation have both officially endorsed table games. 

 

“We appreciate the endorsements of the Jefferson Board of Education and Jefferson County Schools Education Foundation.”  Al Britton, General Manager of Charles Town Races & Slots, said, “Based on West Virginia Lottery Commission projections, table games will generate nearly $4 million annually to the Board of Education for capital improvements.  This will allow the Board of Education to utilize general fund dollars for a variety of other education projects including salary supplements that the Board spoke specifically to in their resolution.” 

 

On Monday, October 26, 2009 the Jefferson County Board of Education passed their unanimous resolution stating:

“…that [in excess of $3.9 million in] revenue will allow the Board of Education to provide much needed renovations to existing schools; improvements to play areas and recreational opportunities and improve Jefferson County’s opportunity to attract additional funding from state and Federal sources,”

 

“…the Jefferson County Board of Education urges support to the December 5^th referendum, and”

 

“…if the referendum is approved this Board will develop a comprehensive plan to improve instruction; facilities, improve recreational and athletic opportunities and allow other budget adjustments to be made to add additional time for staff to prepare for students and provide a salary supplement to full-time employees.”

 

On Friday, October 23, 2009 the Jefferson County Schools Education Foundation passed their resolution of support stating:

“…the Board of Directors supports the belief that quality public education, including state of the art instruction, new and improved facilities, plus technology plays a vital role in providing our children with what they will need;”

 

“…the Board of Directors of the Jefferson County Schools Education Foundation endorses and supports passage of the local referendum to allow table games at Charles Town Races and Slots.”

 

Early voting for table games begins on Friday, November 13, 2009 and runs through Wednesday, December 2, 2009.

 

For more information about the table games referendum, the campaign’s website can be found at www.yesforjeffersoncounty.com.

 

So far, table games are officially endorsed by the following organizations:

• Charles Town Horsemen Benevolent & Protective Association
• West Virginia Breeders Classics
• West Virginia Thoroughbred Breeders Association
• Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
• Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Ranson Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Shepherdstown Visitors Center
• West Virginia Tourism Commission
• Jefferson County Board of Education
• Jefferson County Schools Education Foundation

Updated: Local Horsemen Support Table Games!

this just in from www.yesforjeffersoncounty.com.  Great news for the table games effort. CTR&S is adding a 10th race with preferences for local horses and the Charles Town HBPA just reaffirmed its support for table games.  See below for details.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
800-795-7001 ex. 4621
www.yesforjeffersoncounty.com

Trifecta of Horse Groups Now Support Table Games

Charles Town, WV (October 22, 2009) – With the December 5th referendum on table games nearly 40 days away, support continues to grow from the last time voters considered table games. Charles Town Races & Slots now boasts the public support of the three major local horsemen’s organizations.

The West Virginia Thoroughbred Breeders Association and West Virginia Breeders’ Classics recently issued letters in support for the passage of the table games referendum. These public declarations, along side the Charles Town Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (HBPA) championing table games in a 2008 letter, rounds out the support among the three local horsemen’s groups. It’s important to note that the HBPA reconfirmed their commitment in a meeting just last week, voting to pay for advertising supporting a “YES” vote on December 5th.

“People have asked if the horsemen are on board. We’re happy to report that they are firmly in support of the table games referendum,” said Al Britton, General Manager at Charles Town Races & Slots. “The horsemen and breeders recognize that the passage of table games is vital to maintaining the racing industry and green space in Jefferson County.”

Additionally, Charles Town Races & Slots will be adding a 10th race to its live racing program beginning November 1st.

“Local horsemen took the time to listen and understand why table games are so important to the county and to the racing industry and we listened to the HBPA and rank and file members on issues that were important to them,” Britton added. “Having a dialogue has been extremely positive for both sides.”

Not only will Charles Town Races & Slots be adding a 10th race, but this additional race will give preference to local horses and horsemen. First preference to run will be given to horses bred or sired in West Virginia. Second preference will be given to horses having made a minimum number of starts at Charles Town.

Following a successful 2009 West Virginia Breeders Classic, where total handle for the event was up 3% despite inclement weather, the track is currently closed for resurfacing. Live racing is scheduled to resume this upcoming Saturday, October 24th, with a post time for the first race of 7:15 EST.

For more information about the table games referendum, the campaign’s website can be found at www.yesforjeffersoncounty.com.

So far, table games are officially endorsed by the following organizations:

Charles Town Horsemen Benevolent & Protective Association
West Virginia Breeders Classics
West Virginia Thoroughbred Breeders Association
Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Ranson Convention & Visitors Bureau
Shepherdstown Visitors Center
West Virginia Tourism Commission

Local Tourism Groups Endorse Table Games!

Just released by Charles Town Races & Slots.  This shows that local tourism officials understand the incredible benefits we’ll all see from adding table games.  If other local businesses were worried that CTR&S would hurt their business, why would they endorse table games? The answer is simple: table games will help boost local tourism!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOCAL, COUNTY AND STATE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAUS ENDORSE TABLE GAMES

Charles Town, WV (October 20, 2009) – Charles Town Races & Slots announced the Ranson Convention & Visitors Bureau, Shepherdstown Visitor’s Center, Jefferson County Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the West Virginia Tourism Commission have all officially endorsed the table games referendum being held on Saturday, December 5, 2009.

Al Britton, General Manager of Charles Town Races & Slots, said, “We appreciate receiving the support of these important organizations. The addition of table games will protect our current 1,200 direct jobs we provide, while adding more than 500 new local jobs with good benefits to the Jefferson County economy. Charles Town Races & Slots intends to hire hundreds of local residents and current employees to fill the many new jobs that will be created as a result of table games.”

“These organizations endorsements emphasize the positive impact that table games will have on the local economy, specifically tourism-based businesses and merchants in Jefferson County.” Britton continued. “Charles Town Races & Slots is pleased to be a neighbor and partner to the Ranson Convention & Visitors Bureau, Shepherdstown Visitor’s Center, Jefferson County Convention & Visitors Bureau, and West Virginia Tourism Commission.”

The Ranson Convention & Visitors Bureau expressed their support on Friday, September 11, 2009:
“The addition of table games would expand what we have to offer and help attract many more tourists each your – bringing more guests to Jefferson County hotels, customers to our restaurants and patrons to our shops. Further, the expansion will create 500 new well paying jobs, generate millions of dollars for local education, help preserve the agricultural and horsing industries and assist in creating new business and economic development opportunities in the community.”

The Shepherdstown Visitors Center expressed their support on Monday, October 5, 2009:
“The Board feels that the passage of this referendum will increase the number of tourists visiting the Eastern Panhandle, thereby increasing the number of potential visitors to Shepherdstown… In recognition of that, the Board of the Shepherdstown Visitors Center endorses and supports the passage of the December 5 referendum to allow table games at Charles Town Races & Slots.”

The Board of Directors of the Jefferson County Convention & Visitors Bureau expressed their support on Tuesday, October 6, 2009:
“Of the nearly 5 million visitors to Jefferson County last year, approximately 4.4 million came here because of your attraction of horse racing and slots. Talking with other tourism administrators around the state that already have table gaming, they have told [us] that table gaming brings in a whole new set of customers for weekend getaways who have a tendency to bring family and friends who shop, explore local tourism attractions which include our historical heritage, outdoor recreation, and arts and culture.”

The West Virginia Tourism Commission expressed their support on Monday, September 21, 2009:
“…proceeds from gaming support the State and the tourism industry with 4.5 million visitors per year and $207.3 million in revenue; Jefferson County local and municipalities receive $5.5 million revenue; also a $35 million for purse funds which continues to stabilize the agricultural community.”

For more information about the table games referendum, the campaign’s website can be found at www.yesforjeffersoncounty.com.

So far, table games are officially endorsed by the following organizations:

Charles Town Horsemen Benevolent & Protective Association
Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Ranson Convention & Visitors Bureau
Shepherdstown Visitors Center
West Virginia Tourism Commission

Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Endorses Table Games!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JEFFERSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ENDORSES TABLE GAMES

Charles Town, WV (September 29, 2009) – Charles Town Races & Slots announced the Board of Directors of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce has officially endorsed the table games referendum being held on Saturday, December 5, 2009.

Al Britton, General Manager of Charles Town Races & Slots, said, “We appreciate receiving the support of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. The addition of table games will protect our current 1,200 direct jobs we provide, while adding more than 500 new local jobs with good benefits to the Jefferson County economy. Charles Town Races & Slots intends to hire hundreds of local residents and current employees to fill the many new jobs that will be created as a result of table games.”

“The Chamber of Commerce’s endorsement recognizes the positive impact that table games will have on the local economy, tourism and the many businesses, large and small, that call Jefferson County home.” Britton continued. “From the preservation of existing business and jobs throughout the county to the creation of new opportunities, this is truly a win-win for all of us.”

The Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce passed their endorsement resolution on Monday, September 14, 2009:

“Whereas, on December 5, 2009, Jefferson County residents will be given the opportunity to vote on a referendum to allow table games at Charles Town Races & Slots which will provide additional jobs and dedicate millions of dollars in support of local schools and service while preserving family farms and open space;”

“Therefore be it resolved: That the Board of Directors of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce endorses and supports passage of the local referendum to allow table games at Charles Town Races & Slots.”

For more information about the table games referendum, the campaign’s website can be found at www.yesforjeffersoncounty.com.