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Texas Residents Mixed over Casino

STANTON, Texas – As reported by the Midland Reporter Telegram: "Many Stanton residents think having a casino in Martin County will be approved if tested in a countywide election Nov. 1, but that doesn't mean they all like the idea.

"The Texas Legislature is debating whether or not to propose a constitutional amendment allowing casino gambling in the state, and Austin developers say they will put the issue on county ballots in Martin, Midland and Ector counties if the amendment goes before the statewide electorate.

"Getting local approval would be a prerequisite to obtaining one of the 12 casinos authorized by the new law.

"'I think it would be a good boost to Martin County,' said Stanton Flowers owner Jim Smith on Friday. 'You're talking about 800 jobs. If casinos do come to Texas, I'd rather have it in Stanton. We need it.'

"Just down the block on North Saint Peter Street, Stanton Drug employee Mary Byrne is less enthusiastic.

"…Bob Dillard, publisher of the Martin County Messenger, Greenwood Ranger and Jeff Davis County Mountain Dispatch at Fort Davis, acknowledged there is opposition but predicted the proposal would be approved 'by at least" a ratio of 70 to 30 percent.'…"

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