If approved, State Issue 3 would allow 31,500 slot machines at Ohio's seven racetracks and two downtown Cleveland locations. Supporters say about 38% of the money raised would fund college scholarships and county and municipal governments. Cuyahoga County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones says the constitutional amendment would address the state's slow economy.
Peter Lawson Jones: But here we have an opportunity for jobs to support families.
During the debate, critic David Zanotti of The American Policy Roundtable charged that the measure would promote gambling addiction, and that the bulk of earnings would go to developers and racetrack owners.
David Zanotti: I don't see how gambling will raise socioeconomic status when were using a parasitic system to drain money off other people.
Proponents of Issue 3 have raised nearly $20 million dollars - 28 times what opponents have raised. Zanotti's group has started a $1.4 million ad campaign this week. Issue 3 supporters have been on the air with their ads for several weeks. I'm Mhari Saito, 90.3.