It didn't take democrat Ron Sparks long to respond to today's court ruling that electronic bingo machines are illegal. Here's the candidate's statement:
Statement by Ron Sparks On Judge Vance’s Walker County Bingo Ruling.
October 26, 2009
Judge Vance’s ruling that bingo operations of Walker County are illegal, underscores the urgent need for a statewide approach to address the fastest growing industry in the state, gambling.
I am the only candidate, Democrat or Republican, who has pledged to fight for a statewide gaming commission, statewide licensing and regulation, and taxing casinos to fund education and Medicaid. I would allow the voters of each individual county the right to decide if gaming is allowed in their county.
Casino gaming is an economic development opportunity for Alabama. Neighboring states collect hundreds of millions of dollars in state and local taxes, much of it coming from Alabama residents. We can bring thousands of new jobs in casino and related business to our state, but we must stop the hodge podge of local gaming laws that are allowing cinder block bingo halls to spring up like kudzu.
