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LETTER TO THE EDITOR |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT:
Nicole Reigelman |
State Rep. Elisabeth
Bennington |
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TO: Editorial Page Editor
FROM: State Rep. Lisa Bennington, D-Allegheny
RE: Gaming Implementation Task Force
The formation of a new Gaming Implementation Task Force to assess and ensure quality development regarding the Pittsburgh casino is a tremendous opportunity to be inclusive of the area’s diverse population.
Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato indicated the group should be comprehensive. However, in order to be fully comprehensive, the task force must include sufficient representation from often under-represented groups, including women, minorities and young professionals.
Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania must work to attract these groups, especially young professionals. One good way to attract and keep them here is to give them a voice in an influential and prominent group like the task force.
Clearly, drawing more young professionals to Pittsburgh would pay enormous dividends in the long term through development and establishing a larger tax base.
Although gaming has the potential to benefit the people of this area through smart economic development, job creation and heightened tourism, if the industry’s development is not executed carefully, a variety of harmful impacts could occur.
This is a rare opportunity to guarantee inclusiveness from the foundation up. I applaud Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Chief Executive Onorato for their foresight in creating of this task force. I share in their belief that, by bringing people to the table, we can implement Pennsylvania’s newest industry in a profitable and advantageous way.
Sincerely,
Lisa Bennington
State Representative, 21st Legislative District
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