Focus on State Revenue

[Jerri]

Everyone knows which plan is best for the city of Pittsburgh. The problem is the Governor/Gaming Board will argue that this is not relevant. They will justify giving the slots to SS because it has a bigger casino and claims it will produce more money for the state. As long as they have this as an excuse we are in trouble.

Isn't it true that the casinos are limited to 5,000 machines? If Pittsburgh has only one casino I don't see how one proposal can claim to generate so much more money than another based on an equal number of slot machines.

Any ideas on how to adress this?

[Jamie]

Everyone knows which plan is best for the city of Pittsburgh. The problem is the Governor/Gaming Board will argue that this is not relevant. They will justify giving the slots to SS because it has a bigger casino and claims it will produce more money for the state. As long as they have this as an excuse we are in trouble.

Isn't it true that the casinos are limited to 5,000 machines? If Pittsburgh has only one casino I don't see how one proposal can claim to generate so much more money than another based on an equal number of slot machines.

Any ideas on how to adress this?

The PENS need to quit playing nicey nice, and launch an all out media assault. They need to publicie THEIR plan more in the media. Thry need to impress upon everyone why THEIR plan is better. When the governor makes a statement, they need to counter it. Every topic has an argument. They need to make sure that it is THEIR argument that wins. To this point I am a little disapointed in the PENS campaign thus far. It's time to step up.

[dboss]

Everyone knows which plan is best for the city of Pittsburgh. The problem is the Governor/Gaming Board will argue that this is not relevant. They will justify giving the slots to SS because it has a bigger casino and claims it will produce more money for the state. As long as they have this as an excuse we are in trouble.

Isn't it true that the casinos are limited to 5,000 machines? If Pittsburgh has only one casino I don't see how one proposal can claim to generate so much more money than another based on an equal number of slot machines.

Any ideas on how to adress this?

Yes, the slots are limited to $5,000. The thing a bigger casino offers is more property tax revenue and more revenue from things like food, booze, etc. However, none of this is taxed at the 54% rate that the actual 'gaming' is taxed at. The governor can talk all he wants about the bigger casino, etc. The plans are the SAME for the total number of $ involved when you factor in the Pens revenue to the city, etc.!!! Only difference, one offers a tax-free new arena (that the City would OWN contrary to what the Gov. said on the radio today) and the other offers a $25 million grant to the historical society. Hmmmm...I am still confused as to which plan is better. (EXTREME sarcasm).

[GJ]

Yeah, historical society...featuring a Pittsburgh Penguins exhibit!

[BJL]

I really believe the Pens should invest in commercials educating the public about this topic.

[randy]

Theres time for this, and the PR campaign is coming, probably this summer and fall. Now is not a good time to start with the team doing bad and other distractions.

[Pitts]

and the other offers a $25 million grant to the historical society. Hmmmm...I am still confused as to which plan is better. (EXTREME sarcasm).

The funniest part is, the Historical Society would then use that money to "save" Mellon Arena for it's historical significance!

[dboss]

and the other offers a $25 million grant to the historical society. Hmmmm...I am still confused as to which plan is better. (EXTREME sarcasm).

The funniest part is, the Historical Society would then use that money to "save" Mellon Arena for it's historical significance!

That is a huge relief to me. I was worried the monster truck rally in 2013 wouldn't have anywhere to perform.