The sentiment was not unexpected, but I really loved the headline on today’s editorial in the Tacoma News Tribune opposing Initiative 892: “I-892: A ‘deal’ worthy of Don Corleone“.
Consider Tacoma’s predicament. It has roughly 100 pubs, taverns, lounges, etc., licensed for pulltabs, punchboards or social cardrooms. It receives about $1 million a year in taxes from these activities. If I-892 passes, Tacoma will have to shut down all the traditional games, taking a $1 million-a-year hit, or let itself be saturated with machines that turn vulnerable players into gambling addicts.
Pick your poison: The status quo will not be an option.
I-892 is an offer we must refuse.
