October 19, 2022
Dear editor;
An open letter to the Aurora City Council, esteemed alderpeople:
I write to you today so that your friends, family, and neighbors will read it and perhaps discuss its contents with you. Most of us are probably not tuned in to all the comings and goings of our City’s government. But this casino deal is so bad, so egregious, that I had to speak up.
Per the terms of this deal, the city of Aurora government will provide $50 million in general obligation bond funds to sweeten the pot. The City’s Office of Economic Development clarified that this is probably closer to $58 million when you include all interest and fees. Furthermore, the City would give the casino upwards of $10 million worth of land to use for the project.
Municipal bonds should not be used in this manner. We should be using public money to fund public projects such as roads, sewers, libraries, parks, things that will benefit all of our citizens. Instead, it is a massive subsidy to an all ready massive corporation that will only add to their profit margin.
In 2021, PENN Entertainment made $2.75 billion in gross profit and its CEO, Jay Snowden, personally made $65 million. They can afford to build this casino outright. They’re just seeing if we’re foolish enough to give them money and land anyway.
Do you represent PENN Entertainment or do you represent the people of Aurora?
My simple request:
• Vote no on the proposed ordinance.
• Hold town halls to determine whether Aurorans want to give this corporation a handout for a new casino. Hint : They don’t.
• If there is still public appetite for a new casino, go back to the table and renegotiate with PENN Entertainment, and take our bond money and free land off the table.
I know it will be hard to say no, but this is a bad deal and it needs to be reworked.
I ask you to do what is right, not what is easy.
Thank you for your attention and consideration.
David Cannon, Aurora