Sunday, October 09, 2005

Times Pic editorial: No to gambling.

This is not a finicky city. New Orleans has always had a bawdy side. But there is a difference between being the City that Care Forgot and Las Vegas South. Mayor Nagin argues that no amount of gambling and its tacky trappings will turn New Orleans into a new Las Vegas. New Orleans' distinctive culture, cuisine and history will keep it true to itself, he says.
That is precisely what is wrong with his idea. Putting a half dozen casinos along Poydras and Canal streets is a betrayal of all that is unique about New Orleans. Tourists came to the city in droves because of its incomparable personality. They came because they could feel the influence of 300 years of history.
And WWL reports that Nagin's plan has run into problems with city council.
And the hits were coming just hours after the announcement. Councilwoman Jackie Clarkson said Nagin hasn't explored all of the options.
"He's under the gun to make this city work, and God bless him,” she said. “I just think this is too fast and too unthought out."
. . . . . .
"It just doesn't seem like it's the right solution for our city,” added Councilman Jay Batt. “I think we could really hurt our character of our city, our culture. The things that attract people to our city, we may damage that by trying to jumpstart the economy very quickly but maybe irresponsibly."

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