PHILADELPHIA, PA – After being told the city was powerless to stop casinos, citizens are shifting the political landscape with a rarely used referendum campaign and a lot of effort.
Over 100 citizens will gather signatures across the city -- including Center City, West Philly, Mt. Airy, North Philly, Nicetown/East Falls, South Philly, Queen Village, Society Hill, Bella Vista, Pennsport, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and Port Richmond. No stone will remain unturned in their effort to reach 20,000 signatures, the required amount for a citizen-initiated referendum.
Their goal: give voters the chance to decide on whether casinos should be built within 1,500 feet of a residential use facility.
Over 100 citizens will gather signatures across the city -- including Center City, West Philly, Mt. Airy, North Philly, Nicetown/East Falls, South Philly, Queen Village, Society Hill, Bella Vista, Pennsport, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and Port Richmond. No stone will remain unturned in their effort to reach 20,000 signatures, the required amount for a citizen-initiated referendum.
Their goal: give voters the chance to decide on whether casinos should be built within 1,500 feet of a residential use facility.
4 comments:
What a superb idea!! If only we could have stopped this casino nonsense before it got started.
Just a thought, although maybe someone could start a citizen-initiated petition drive to get a referendum to REPEAL ACT 71 ALTOGETHER!!
E-town you bring up an interesting point... if this "citizen intiated referendum" exists in Philly, does it exist statewide? ... hmmmmmm
My understanding is that it does not exist in the same form statewide. And, to be clear, we need 20,000 signatures plus still need 9 city council votes to put this on the ballot (without the 20,000 signatures we need 12 city council votes).
You can read more at our website: www.casinofreephila.org
Happy to have you connect us to potential allies in Philly.
- Daniel (coordinator, Casino-Free Philly)
Mr. Hunter is quite correct when he points out that any "referendum" does not exist in the same form at the state level. It must, unfortunately be passed in the same manner any other piece of legisltion is handled.
Here is an interesting point to ponder. The Constitution of Pennsylvania provides under Article I (Declaration of Rights) Section 2 "All power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on that authority and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness. For the advancement of these ends they have at all times an inalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think proper."
While all representative forms of governments entrusts our elected officials with the ability to propose laws to effect the peace, safety and happiness of his citizens, the people must have the capability of proposing, adopting or rejecting laws which are not in the best interests of the citizens of the Commonwealth or which would threaten their peace, safety or happiness.
Casino gambling not only poses a threat to the peace, safety and happiness to the citizens of Philadelphia, those implications reach all corners of our Commonwealth. Therefore, I would support any move to pass legislation to permit citizen initiative and referendum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is a concept which I believe is long overdue!!
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