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Pittsburgh official surprised by backlash

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania – As reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "Claiming no one has been more surprised at the rising wave of opposition to the Isle of Capri casino plan than she has, city Councilwoman Tonya Payne says neither she nor her office has spoken with anyone voicing concern.

"'The people out there yelling the loudest are not calling me,' she said yesterday. 'If there are voices out there against the plan, those voices can work with me. But they've never said anything to me.'

"Early on, Ms. Payne publicly supported Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., which is the only one of three bidders competing for the lone Pittsburgh license that would put a slots parlor in the Hill District, on the site of Mellon Arena. It has offered $290 million toward a new arena and promised a $350 million redevelopment of the Lower Hill and a $1 million-a-year community reinvestment fund targeting the Hill and Uptown.

"…Ms. Payne said much of her decision to support Isle of Capri was based on a survey this past summer that showed a majority of 4,000 residents backed the plan. She said she also held meetings with block clubs, churches and other groups…"

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