MONROE – The City Council has decided that 100 jobs and $400,000 in annual tax revenue aren’t worth the gamble of compromising the town’s integrity.
After dozens of residents spoke against a proposed minicasino in town, the Monroe City Council voted unanimously to reaffirm its no-gambling law on Wednesday.
“It was a right decision and reflects the foresight and wisdom of our community,” said Michael Hanford, pastor of Christ Church Monroe, one of about 40 people who packed the council chambers at a hearing.
The council held the hearing to assess the community’s interest in the proposed casino on Cascade View Drive east of the Evergreen State Fair grounds. In November, Freddie’s Club, a card-game casino, asked the city to lift its no-gambling law so it could move to Monroe after it sold its business in Everett.
The proposed club would have generated about $400,000 annually in tax revenues for the city and created nearly 100 jobs, representatives of the club said. It had been interested in coming to Monroe because U.S. 2 goes through town and could bring in many customers.
However, even before the public hearing, the city received letters and e-mails opposing the plan. Under state law, local governments can ban gambling.
“People who want to gamble are the people who want to be rich, not who already are,” Cheri Swenson, 20, of Monroe, told the council.
Swenson, a sophomore at Everett Community College, said lucrative tax revenues shouldn’t let the city invite gambling businesses.
“They’re gambling with the integrity of the community,” Swenson said.
John Robinson Jr. of Everett, who owns a pub in Monroe, was among the few who spoke in favor of the minicasino. Many people already go to other towns – Everett, Lynnwood and Tulalip – to play cards, dropping their money outside Monroe, Robinson said.
“I’d like to see the money stay in Monroe,” he said.
Hanford told the council he has seen his share of problems caused by gambling. He said his stepfather is addicted to gambling and has tapped into his retirement fund to support his habit. At his church, Hanford said he has seen gambling break up couples.
“I know the heartaches, arguments and divorces that come from gambling,” Hanford said.
The council, which normally doesn’t make a decision right after a hearing, quickly decided to reject the casino.
“You were heard,” City Councilman Chad Minnick told the residents.
Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.
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