1. Presentation on Mediation Should there be a casino built in Cedar Rapids?

2. The Conflict: There has been a proposal for a casino to be built in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The vote took place on March 5 th, 2013. The results showed that 61% of voters were in favor of the casino. Even though the majority voted in favor, there was still some opposition. Especially from nearby casino owners. https://www.facebook.com/VoteYesLinnCounty?filter=3 http:// www.change.org/organizations/just_say_no_casino VS

3. Just Say No Casino The campaign is chaired by City Hall critic, Frank King ▫Argues that there is not enough information on the casino location or management. Heavily supported by Riverside Casino owner, Dan Kehl ▫Spent $600,000 on the campaign ▫Argues that his casino would lose more than 30 percent of its business ▫Proposed a family friendly waterpark option Also supported by other nearby casino owners

4. Vote Yes Linn County Led by Steve Gray (casino investor) ▫Stated that the casino would be located downtown ▫The casino would create over 600 jobs ▫Create millions of dollars in revenue Supported by Marcia Rogers ▫Argues that casino would generate $4 million annually for charities (Iowa law) Supported by Mayor Ron Corbett ▫Bring more business to the city owned hotel and convention center ▫Corbett discarded Kehl’s waterpark proposal calling it a “last minute ploy”

5. Proposed Mediation Downsize the casino plan ▫Pair the casino with a small, indoor waterpark Cedar Rapids needs an attraction ▫61% are in favor, even after an alternative option was proposed Other casinos ▫Will not lose more than 10% of their business ▫Have other selling features (Riverside Golf Course)

6. Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission Must evaluate and accept Gray’s casino application. ▫4-6 months to complete application ▫6-12 months to review application  Considers damage to surrounding casinos If the Commission denies application ▫The community will be disappointed  61% in favor

7. Works Cited