Gaming Legislation letterCity Manager's Office
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001~t864
(319) 5894110
(319) 5894149 FAX
November 29, 2001
The Honorable Mike Connol[y
Iowa State Senator
3458 Daniels
Dubuque, IA 52001
Re: Gaming Referendum
Dear Senator Connolly:
At the November 28 meeting of City officials and State Legislators, the City was asked
what their position was on new legislation that is being considered to split the November
2002 vote related to the future operation of Dubuque Greyhound Park and Casino.
Instead of one ballot question, voters would be asked to vote separately on whether
greyhound racing should continue and whether the casino operations should continue.
The greyhound racing operation at Dubuque Greyhound Park and Casino loses
approximately $600,000 per year. In addition, the casino provides $2 million in purse
subsidies for greyhound racing. Greyhound racing, therefore, takes over $2.5 million
from the bottom line of Dubuque Greyhound Park and Casino. This is money that
would be distributed 50% to the City and 25% to charities if it was not used to subsidize
greyhound racing.
The City of Dubuque supports the concept of having a separate vote on greyhound
racing and casino operations at Dubuque Greyhound Park and Casino.
Thank you very much for your participation in our annual Legislative Dinner.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
cc: Mr. Bruce Wentworth
General Manager
Dubuque Greyhound Park and Casino
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
.$ei~ice People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
The Honorable Mike Connolly
Iowa State Senator
3458 Daniels
Dubuque, IA 52001
The Honorable Pam Jochum
Iowa State Representative
2368 Jackson
Dubuque, IA 52001
The Honorable Robert Osterhaus
Iowa State Representative
216 Austin
Maquoketa, IA 52060
The Honorable Thomas Flynn
Iowa State Senator
21367 Girl Scout Road
Epworth, IA 52045
The Honorable Pat Murphy
Iowa State Representative
155 N. Grandview Avenue
Dubuque, IA 52001
The Honorable Paul Scherrman
Iowa State Representative
P.O. Box 309
Farley, IA 52046