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Chicago Suburb Mayors Stick Together

ILLINOIS – As reported by the Chicago Tribune: "Saying their communities have few other options for economic development, the mayors of 10 south suburbs pledged to stick together Monday in the fight for the state's last casino license.

"At a meeting Monday in Blue Island, the villages cemented a deal long in the works between the towns and hotel magnate Donald Trump, who has agreed to seek the license for a casino in Crestwood.

"By agreement, Crestwood, Riverdale, Robbins, Ford Heights, Alsip, Phoenix, Posen, Midlothian, Blue Island and Calumet Park would split tax revenues from the casino for use in various projects.

"It's a deal that could bring each community more than $1 million in tax revenue a year, said Robbins Mayor Irene Brodie. That would be the village's single largest source of revenue.

"…State Senate President Emil Jones said the south suburban area is the only place the state should consider for its remaining casino license.

"…Jones and the 10 mayors believe the revenue-sharing agreement gives them a political edge in the fight for the last license because more communities ostensibly would benefit, officials said.

"… Trump hopes to build the riverboat casino on Metropolitan Water Reclamation District property along the Cal-Sag Channel at Cicero Avenue. The casino would produce about $200 million in revenue annually, said Trump resorts chief operating officer Mark Brown…"

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