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The Campbell Debates: NYS Casino Referendum

via YouTube
Ken Pokalsky speaks in favor of a casino referendum on the Nov. 5 ballot. Seated behind him (from L to R) are Dr. Stephen Shafer, David Blankenhorn and Marc Baez

Voters in the state will be faced with several ballot propositions this November 5th.  The proposition capturing the most attention—and controversy—is the proposal to expand casino gambling, which will appear as Proposition 1.  On October 16th, the Campbell Public Affairs Institute of Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs sponsored a debate on this referendum.  The debate was held in the Maxwell Auditorium on the Syracuse University campus. 

Arguing that voters should approve the referendum were Ken Pokalsky of The Business Council of New York, and Marc Baez, a member of Citizens for New York State Gaming.  Arguing that voters should reject the proposal were Stephen Shafer, chair of the Coalition Against Gambling in New York, and David Blankenhorn, president of the Institute for American Values.  Moderating the debate was Grant Reeher, the Director of the Campbell Institute and the host of The Campbell Conversations on WRVO.  What you’ll hear is a spirited and substantive debate, followed by audience questions and comments, which will hopefully inform your voting decision.