Central Ohio lawmakers push casino ballot issue that would allow cities to vote to opt out

Lawmakers aim to thwart Ohio casino development

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A group of central Ohio lawmakers is advancing a plan to beef up cities’ rights against four casinos that Ohio voters authorized in November.

State Sens. David Goodman and Jim Hughes and state Reps. Cheryl Grossman and Kevin Bacon, all Republicans, introduced simultaneous resolutions Tuesday to place a constitutional amendment on the May ballot. The amendment would let cities opt out of hosting a casino by passing a local referendum.

Backers noted most Franklin County voters opposed buildings casinos in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo. The prospect of a new casino has raised more ire in Columbus than in the other cities.

Three-fifths of lawmakers must approve the issue for it to make the 2010 ballot.