Press release from the Coalition for a Better Fort Wayne:
Fort Wayne Group to Rally with Legislators in Indianapolis
Fort Wayne, Indiana, June 23, 2009: Today, members of the Coalition for a Better Fort Wayne announced that they will be traveling to Indianapolis tomorrow, June 24th to walk the statehouse halls and distribute their message directly to all Indiana legislators. This initiative is in response to the possible introduction of a referendum on local legalized gambling in the special legislative session’s efforts to pass a new state budget.
The group, led by key members of the Coalition for a Better Fort Wayne, is a diverse grouping of concerned citizens determined to protect the interests of Fort Wayne. They are strongly opposed to the introduction of a casino into the Fort Wayne community and also stand against any effort to introduce a special referendum on local legalized gambling which would, in fact, be a de facto victory for casino lobbyists. They feel that Mayor Henry’s recent lobbying in Indianapolis does not accurately portray the sentiments of all Fort Wayne residents, and have taken it upon themselves to show legislators that there are many in the community that do not wish to jeopardize the standard of living in Fort Wayne.
A chartered bus will be leaving Fort Wayne for Indianapolis at 9 AM on Wednesday, June 24th from the Village of Coventry carrying a gathering of demonstrators. The group hopes that their presence during the special legislative session will demonstrate their firm beliefs on this issue and give legislators something to seriously consider during the special session.
More details about the rally:
Join us on the “Say-No To Casi-No Bus Tour”
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
9 AM departure – 4:30 PM return
Departs from the Village of Coventry
Free transportation, lunch, and t-shirtThe Coalition for a Better Fort Wayne needs you to join its Say-No To Casi-No Bus Tour to the Indiana Statehouse. This Wednesday, June 24th, a group of concerned Fort Wayne citizens and members of the Coalition for a Better Fort Wayne will be traveling to Indian-apolis to express their opposition to the proposal of a special gambling referendum. The coalition wishes to preserve the quality of life in Fort Wayne and feels that the addition of a casino to the Fort Wayne community would only hinder this goal. The coalition needs your help to let legislators know that Fort Wayne does not want a casino.
If you would like to join the cause, the Say-No to Casi-No Bus Tour participants will be meeting at 8:45 AM for a 9 AM departure time on Wednesday, June 24th from the Scott’s parking lot at the Village of Coventry. Participants will be provided with transportation, a box lunch, water, soft drinks, and a No Casino! T-shirt at no cost. The group will be a visible reminder of casino opposition to legislators within the Statehouse, but will in no way be obligated to perform any public speaking or demonstrating. Expected arrival time back in Fort Wayne will be 4:30 PM.
For additional information, contact J. Bohn Popp via email or at (260) 424-8245, extension 226.