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Riverboat Referendum Divides Indiana Town

FRENCH LICK, Indiana – As reported by the Associated Press: "For years, residents clad in orange T-shirts drove by the busloads through the winding hills of southern Indiana to the Statehouse to lobby lawmakers for a casino.

"They finally won the legislative battle. Now, back on their home turf in Orange County, a Tuesday referendum on whether to proceed with a gambling boat is dividing the community.

"…From church pulpits, ministers have preached on the evils of gambling, raising concerns about crime, addiction and higher suicide rates.

"But most county officials are in favor of a riverboat casino, claiming it will create hundreds of jobs, pour millions annually into the economy and return French Lick and neighboring West Baden Springs to their former glory.

"Some residents claim Sheriff Doyle Cornwell has been too zealous in leading the pro-casino Citizens for the Future of Orange County. He is accused of violating state law by campaigning for the casino and posting yard signs while on duty, and a special prosecutor is investigating. Cornwell could not be reached at his office for comment.

"…Backers say the casino is needed to jump-start Orange County's economy, which consistently ranks among the top Indiana counties in unemployment.

"…The stakes are so high that some opponents say they are afraid to do more than stick a sign in their yard. Yard signs line the residential streets of the county with a population of 20,000, but orange pro-casino signs greatly outnumber opponents' blue signs.

"Sentiment is so high that some who oppose the casino are worried about keeping their jobs, said Robert Hoyt, a spokesman for the Orange County Coalition Against Legalized Gambling…"

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