(ANGOLA) - Opposition to a possible Steuben County casino is moving from private concern to public organizing ahead of the November referendum.
Coalition for a Better Indiana board member Theresa Steele says the group is urging voters to reject the casino referendum, but says the immediate issue is also transparency.
"A referendum only works when voters have full, accurate information before they enter that voting booth," Steele said.
What The Group Wants Voters To Know
Steele says voters are being asked to make a major decision before they have enough information about possible casino sites, developers, zoning intentions and the long-term impact on the county.
Steuben County is one of three counties under consideration for a possible casino.
County officials have said voters will have the final say. They have also said the county has not been involved in official talks about one specific property promoted publicly by a realtor.
Steele says that does not answer the coalition's broader concern.
She says residents are hearing about possible land option activity, zoning discussions and casino interest without a full public explanation of what sites are being considered, who may be involved and what local leaders expect to happen before the vote.
Steele says voters should know potential sites, developers involved, zoning intentions and projected impacts on housing, traffic, addiction and public services. She also says voters should know whether plans submitted to the Indiana Gaming Commission would be binding.
Concern About The Process
The coalition says its opposition is not focused on one site alone.
Steele says the group is concerned about the process in general, including private land option activity and zoning discussions before voters cast ballots.
She says the group wants disclosure of possible sites, interested developers, zoning intentions, financial projections and communications with state officials or industry representatives before the referendum.
How Residents Can Get Involved
Steele says the coalition is organizing a grassroots campaign that will include yard signs, social media outreach, direct voter education and county-specific Facebook pages for Steuben, DeKalb and Allen counties.
The group is also encouraging residents to attend public meetings connected to the issue.
Steele pointed to the Fremont Plan Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 7 at 6 p.m. at Fremont Town Hall, where she says zoning related to the possible casino will be discussed.
Residents who want more information can contact the Coalition for a Better Steuben County Facebook page, text 260-750-7050, or email coalitionforabetterindiana@gmail.com.