Why should Delaware be different from everywhere else?
A new confrontation between Democrats and Republicans has arisen, with Pete Schwartzkopf, the Democratic leader of the House, pushing hard for a casino license in Sussex County which would free the holder from having to operate a harness track; and Republican leaders in Sussex County already having passed unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, a measure to declare a six-month moratorium on submission of zoning applications for gambling venues.
How those opposing actions play out against one another remains to be seen. The Sussex Council president, Republican Vance Phillips, explained that because casinos were not included in any county zoning ordinances, “a moratorium was the only action council members could take. There is a loophole, and we need to put brakes on any applications. The county needed the moratorium to stop a rush of applications and shut the door to give us time to consider regulations.”
No applications actually have been filed, but at least four proposals have surfaced, including one for Wilmington; another outside Georgetown, home of the old largely forgotten Georgetown Raceway; at Delaware Seashore State Park; and in Delmar. Three of the four would be under Sussex County jurisdiction. Delaware being Delaware in size, all would affect the market area of Harrington Raceway.
As the General Assembly discusses the issue, the amendment to change the verbiage of the expansion bill is due today in the House, with a vote expected Thursday. Passage is uncertain.
(Harness Tracks of America)