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Newsletter
Citizens Concerned
About Casino Gambling
November 30, 2006
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Congratulations and many thanks for your vote and support defeating the Harrah's destination casino. With
your constant and generous help since 1977, CCACG has been able to contribute significantly to the defeat of
every attempt to build a destination casino in or beautiful state. This latest effort was defeated statewide by 63%
of the voters and by 72% in Newport County where we fully depended on you and you resoundingly answered.
Well done!
Now of you can believe it, with the ashes of Harrah's defeat still smouldering, yet again another challenge has
arisen. Newport Grand, with the blessing of the General Assembly, has been given permission to expand from
1,070 to 2,101 video lottery terminals. They also may build a two story addition with each story having 5,376 sq.
ft. plus a hotel with a minimum of 90 tooms plus an added 45,000 sq. ft. space for gaming, food, and beverage
venues. It never, never, ends simply because this dirty business is too lucrative and, once a foothold is gained,
more "amenities" will follow, just as day follows night. Witness Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun.
But there is still hope. The Newport City Council stands as a bulwark against this stealthy move to bring
another casino into our area. The City Council upheld the zoning code prohibiting the issuance of a building
permit for this addition. This caused Newport Grand to immediately respond by trying to amend the zoning
ordinance. When they were unanimously denied, they decided to sue the City Coucil for obstructing the wishes of
the General Assembly. The battle is joined and now we need to do what we can to suport the Newport City Council
and of course we need to ask for your help. CCACG is asking that all the individuals and groups who defeated
Harrah's recent effort to come together once again to meet this latest challenge. We have been in contact with
former Governor Lincoln Almond who assured us that he will continue the struggle to stop the growth of casino
gambling in Rhode Island. We ask the leadership of the state legislature and Governor Donald Carcieri ro
restpectfully listen to the people of Rhode Island. NO MEANS NO!
Finally, we ask the loyal and generous supporters of CCACG to once again return the enclosed envelope with a
donation and the new names of friends to help us fight one more battle---this time the stealth casino of Newport
Grand.
Gratefully, we thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do.
Sincerely,
Rev. Eugene J. McKenna
President
P.S. Watch for details of oue 30th Anniversary Celebration in February. We hope to have a gala affair!
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