COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The buzz of a casino will soon come to Central Ohio, but just where that casino will be built is still up to voters.
The casino issue is back on the ballot for May. It's now called Issue 2 and voters must decide whether to keep the planned casino in the Arena District or move it to the west side.
The Vote Yes on Issue 2 campaign officially launched Tuesday afternoon at the campaign headquarters on West Broad Street. More than 300 people were expected at the campaign kickoff rally.
With just seven weeks until the May election, the campaign is asking supporters to record a video at the kickoff rally that may be used on the campaign Web site and in TV commercials between now and Election Day.
Many are eyeing the potential $400 million casino investment in the area on the west side as a necessity.
"We have high vacancy. We have high unemployment. You put those two together and you're going to get crime. Bottom line: we need jobs," said Chris Haydocy, an auto dealer.
Haydocy said the casino move is a once in a lifetime opportunity to keep jobs from leaving and bring in new development to the former Delphi plant and the area surrounding Westland Mall.
"The mall over here, everything's a ghost town anymore," said Marla Waters, an area resident. "This used to be a thriving end of town, but it isn't anymore. Everything's gone to Tuttle (Crossing Blvd.) or Polaris (Parkway) or other areas."
But the entire state gets to vote on the casino move, and the Yes On 2 campaign will need a high turnout in Central Ohio.
"I would think Columbus is key. The biggest impact will be in Columbus, so that is, of course, where we need the biggest vote," Haydocy said.
Haydocy said he recognizes that every vote is equal, so the campaign will have to pay equal attention to the entire state.
Across the street fro the Delphi plant at George's Grille, though, employee Nick Mavromatis said he expects low turnout outside of Central Ohio.
"I don't care in Cleveland if they're going to have a casino north or east or west. The same thing for us up there. They don't give a darn," Mavromatis said.
The developers said the casino could bring thousands of construction and permanent jobs to the area.
The Vote Yes on Issue 2 launched a new Web site Tuesday at StandUpFor2.com.
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