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Ottumwa Group Continues Efforts for License

OTTUMWA, Iowa – As reported by the Ottumwa Courier: "Members of the River Hills Riverboat Authority on Wednesday asked the public to remain patient, though they moved carefully to re-establish momentum.

"The RHRA is the local body involved in the effort to secure a casino license for Ottumwa. The past week has been a roller coaster unlike any the authority has seen.

"On May 11 the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission rejected Ottumwa's casino application. Two days later Gov. Tom Vilsack publicly expressed disappointment that Ottumwa did not receive a license.

"…All this unfolded while the RHRA asked people to be patient, to wait instead of contacting commission members. Now they're asking for a little more patience.

"…Authority Chairman Steve Siegel said there are no guarantees the governor can effect a change. But he said the commission does not want to worsen the situation.

"…That means the authority wants to avoid mass reaction or public letter writing campaigns at this time. Members don't want "mobs and pitchforks," as one member put it. They say there may come a time where a show of support from the public is needed, but the time isn't now…"

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