Gettysburg Tops List of 10 Most Endangered Battlefields Released by Civil War Preservation Trust
www.civilwar.org
CIVIL WAR PRESERVATION TRUST UNVEILS MOST ENDANGERED BATTLEFIELDS REPORT
(Washington, D.C.) - A once sleepy crossroads town in Pennsylvania where the blood of 50,000 Americans was shed, a fertile valley in Virginia where armies clashed for four long years, and a little-known New Mexico battleground known as the "Gettysburg of the West," were today announced as some of the nation's most endangered Civil War battlefields.
At a news conference this morning, the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) unveiled its annual report on the status of the nation's historic battlegrounds. The report, entitled History Under Siege: A Guide to America's Most Endangered Civil War Battlefields, identifies the most threatened Civil War sites in the United States and what can be done to rescue them.
"Today our Civil War battlefields are being destroyed at an alarming rate," warned CWPT President James Lighthizer during the news conference. "Hallowed ground, where more than 600,000 Americans gave their lives, is being paved over in favor of shopping malls housing tracts, and even gambling casinos. These endangered battlefields are irreplaceable treasures and now, more than ever, we must work to preserve and protect these sites because once they're gone, they're gone forever."
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania will always be synonymous with the Civil War. It was not only the site of the largest and most costly battle ever fought in the Americas, but also the inspiration for one of the most famous speeches in our nation's history. Although the park is the most visited battlefield in the country and is the cornerstone of the local economy, the Gettysburg that millions of Americans have come to know and love is threatened by a proposal to build a massive, 5,000-slot gaming facility. If approved, the casino will be located just one mile from East Cavalry Field."
HISTORY OF THE CONFLICT:
On 4/26/05, David LeVan, President of Chance Enterprises, Inc. announced plans to build a slots casino in Adams County, PA. LeVan WAS influential in town, but the reaction began immediately with heads shaking in disbelief and comments like, "He's smart, but everybody has a terrible idea at least once in their life, and this is his!"
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05117/494850.stm
Under the Gambling Law, Act 71, Decisions about where casinos are placed is entirely in the hands of the PA. Gaming Control Board. After a legal challenge to the law, the Pa. Supreme Court ruled that zoning laws do apply, but there is no vote. The PGCB decided to hold THREE hearings on Gettysburg. EIGHTY-SIX PERCENT of Spoken testimony opposed the casino. Written Testimony was 2 to 1 AGAINST this site.
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Letter from Walter Cronkite:
"In the fields of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania are the graves and monuments of 53,529 soldiers who fell defending their concept of what America should be. An average of two million people each year visit the hallowed sites of the crucial battles and stand where President Lincoln stood to proclaim them finally finished.
The ground is as hallowed for Americans as could be any collection of fields and hills. Now some developers want to cash in on the tourist trade with a casino in the Gettysburg vicinity. Next they might well propose slot machines in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.
Many concerned citizens have banded together to halt the desecration. They call their effort simply "NO Casino Gettysburg. They could use your help to save one of the most precious of our nation’s monuments. "
-Walter Cronkite
US Senator Arlen Specter opposes Gettysburg Casino: 11/28/05 on PA Cable Network's "Journalism Roundtable" The senior senator from PA said he's "against a casino near the Gettysburg battlefield." "I wouldn't have casinos anywhere if it were up to me," Specter said on PCN. "I won't attend, I won't play and I won't lose money...or win money."
US Congressman Todd Platts Oppose Casino
Sunday, 6/12/05 Hanover Evening Sun Platts Against Casino Proposal
U.S. Congressman Todd Platts told the Evening Sun, " "This should always be thought of as a battlefield of heroic actions where tens of thousands of Americans gave their lives." Platts said his hope is that the Gaming Control Board will weigh the historical importance of the Gettysburg community when making its decision. Projects are under way to provide vistors to Gettysburg with even more to do...mentioning the Wills house, Lincoln Train Station and the new vistors center...and "gambling should not be tied to that progress in the community."
Santorum Sees Economic Development, Not Casinos, as Savior of Gettysburg
6/12/05 Hanover Evening Sun: Speaking to the Hanover Evening Sun, Santorum said "I am particularly opposed to any casino in Gettysburg because I believe it is inappropriate for such hallowed grounds, and it is in stark contrast to the essence of that community."
Friday, June 3, 2005 http://www.580whp.com/headlines.html
(Gettysburg - WHP580 radio) -- Economic development in Gettysburg is supported at the highest levels of government, including US Senator Rick Santorum. He just won't support a proposed casino in the historic town... "That to me is very appropriate, to have other kinds of facilities there. I mean people have to earn a living... and so other types of development in my estimation is fine, as long as it doesn't encroach on the battlefield itself." Santorum says he's against the gaming bill altogether, adding that in the long run, it won't be a valuable addition to any community.
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Statement from Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Regarding Proposed Casino in Gettysburg
[The following includes excerpts from a letter sent to Pennsylvania Governor Rendell opposing the current proposal to build a casino in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.]
SUNDAY, JuLY 3rd, 2005
ADRIAN SCOTT FINE, Director, Northeast Field Office (DE, NJ & PA), National Trust for Historic Preservation, 6401 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144. (215) 848-8033 / adrian_fine@nthp.org
The Gettysburg Battlefield is among the most sacred places in our nation. Those three violent days in July 1863 produced 50,000 casualties and a turning point in the Civil War and thus our Nation. As President Lincoln said so powerfully in his Gettysburg Address in November 1863, “this ground is hallowed, not by our actions but by the blood of tens of thousands of Americans.”
Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, stated this week, “all of us, and especially Pennsylvanians, are trustees of this hallowed ground. I urge you to ensure that the proposed gambling casino is not allowed in Gettysburg.”
The proposed casino of 3,000 – 5,000 slot machines, only a mile and a half from the boundaries of this national shrine, would blatantly exploit the name of Gettysburg. It would stand in stark contrast to the sacrifice that the Gettysburg Battlefield embodies. It would detract from Pennsylvania’s efforts to draw heritage visitors to the Commonwealth and to Gettysburg. And it would mar the experience of visitors who are drawn by the historic and educational significance of the Battlefield.
Moreover, one month ago yesterday, the National Trust announced inclusion of “The Journey through Hallowed Ground” Corridor on its list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Gettysburg is the northern terminus of this 175 mile corridor of our nation’s history through Maryland to Monticello in Virginia. What a tragedy that the opportunity to link Gettysburg with the rest of the Route 15 Corridor with its seminal Civil War Battlefields, American President’s homes, and centuries of history is now threatened by a gambling casino at its most sacred point.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is here tonight, to demonstrate our opposition to this casino proposal. With more than 14,000 members in Pennsylvania and 200,000 members nationally, the National Trust and our strong local and statewide partners are reaching out to the Pennsylvania leadership to ensure that Gettysburg and what it stands for is not marred by incompatible development, especially to this extreme.
We are urging all decision makers and through a letter to Governor Rendell this week to ensure that the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board rules out at the start any casino in Gettysburg.
It is one thing to decide that gambling is wanted in Pennsylvania, it is another to denigrate one of our nation’s most sacred places in doing that.
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The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting the irreplaceable. Recipient of the National Humanities Medal, the Trust was founded in 1949 and provides leadership, education, advocacy, and resources to save America’s diverse historic places and revitalize communities. Its Washington, DC headquarters staff, six regional offices, 2 field offices and 26 historic sites work with the Trust’s 270,000 members and thousands of local community groups in all 50 states. For more information, visit the
Trust’s web site at www.nationaltrust.org.
National Parks Conservation Association www.npca.org
(Thanks to Alan Spears, NPCA, for speaking at our 6/20 public meeting and coming back to speak at our July 3, 2005 vigil!
Governor Ed Rendell and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania face a critical
decision about the future of Gettysburg. At risk is the stewardship of
America's priceless heritage paid for with the last full measure of devotion
by thousands at the Civil War battle of Gettysburg. There are few more
inappropriate places to build a casino.
The recent groundbreaking ceremony on June 2nd for the new museum and
visitor center at Gettysburg National Military Park represents a significant
step towards protecting America's heritage, and enhancing public
understanding of the battle that shaped our national destiny. The center,
born from a partnership between the National Park Service and the Gettysburg
National Battlefield Museum Foundation, will be one of the nation's
preeminent resources on the Civil War, and will educate and inspire
generations of Americans. This $95 million partnership represents a
significant investment in Gettysburg's future by preserving, protecting, and
interpreting its history. It's the right step at the right time.
By contrast, construction of a casino near this hallowed ground would
detract and distract from Gettysburg's role as the world's premier classroom
on the American Civil War. This hallowed ground must not become a raucous
gaming destination. Thoughtful and respectful stewardship of the legacy of
the Americans who fought and died on these fields leaves no room for
casinos.
Joy M. Oakes
Mid-Atlantic Regional Director
National Parks Conservation Association
1300 19th ST NW, Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20036
joakes@npca.org
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National Council of Churches Statement on Proposed Casino at Gettysburg, Dr. Bob Edgar, General Secretary, National Council of Churches USA, June 2, 2005, http://www.ncccusa.org.I view with dismay the proposal for a large gambling casino near the historic battlefield at Gettysburg. President Abraham Lincoln said that the world can never forget the brave men who struggled on that field, but the construction of a gambling casino near the site of their epic battle would seem to indicate that our national memory has indeed dimmed.
The view that a casino dishonors the memory of those who died at Gettysburg is rooted in the policies of the National Council of Churches on gambling and public morals. More than 50 years ago, in one of its first policy statements, the National Council of Churches said:
…the so-called “innocent” forms of gambling—such as legalized race-track wagers, betting on athletic events, lotteries, bingo and the like—contribute to the weakening of the moral fiber of individuals and lower the moral tone of the community.
Our position has not changed in the intervening years. It is our view that gambling in any form contributes nothing positive to society. It offers no service, creates nothing of value, and does not improve the lives of those who participate.
We are aware of arguments by proponents that legalized gambling creates jobs. We also know there is countervailing evidence that even where jobs are created in the gambling industry, more jobs are lost elsewhere in the community as business is drawn away from already existing restaurants, hotels and places of entertainment. Job creation is desperately needed, but the jobs that are created should serve the needs of society and contribute to the well-being of workers and their families.
We also are concerned about the negative impacts we believe gambling is having on communities, such as increased crime and the cost of trying to contain it, the disruption of family life and the desperate actions of some people whose gambling debts put their lives and futures in jeopardy.
We would discourage casino construction anywhere, and feel that a casino at Gettysburg is doubly objectionable because it would detract from what should be a respectful and reflective atmosphere in this place where so many died.
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The Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg Oppose Casino in Gettysburg (www.friendsofgettysburg.org)
Gettysburg, PA (May 19, 2005)—The Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg’s board of directors, always cognizant
of the organization’s mission and its members’ commitment to that mission, this weekend adopted a statement opposing plans for a casino in Gettysburg.
The resolution, approved during a full board meeting, states that “the establishment of a casino at Gettysburg is at the same time inappropriate, insensitive and detrimental to the heritage and hallowed ground we are dedicated to honor, protect and preserve.”
“We carefully considered what our members felt and what they would want us to do,” said Barbara J. Finfrock, Friends’ chair of the board. “Friends’ members are committed to honoring this hallowed ground, and it is our responsibility to emphasize that commitment.”
The Friends’ mission, on behalf of all generations, is to honor, support, protect and enhance the resources associated with the Gettysburg National Military Park, the Battle of Gettysburg and the Eisenhower National Historic Site.
“Our mission is clear,” said Friends’ executive director Dave Booz. “We’re here to honor and protect Gettysburg, and that includes the perception people have of this special place. Gettysburg should be recognized for its important place in American history.”
Founded in 1989, the Friends has 25,000 members and supporters worldwide, and is one of the largest battlefield-preservation groups in the country, focusing on mission-related projects in education, battlefield rehabilitation, land preservation, monument and cannon-carriage restoration and museum artifacts.
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CIVIL WAR PRESERVATION TRUST CONDEMNS PLAN TO BUILD CASINO AT GETTYSBURG
( Thanks to Jim Lighthizer,President; Jim Campi, Mary Goundrey and Greg Ungru for representation 6/20 at our public meeting, and to Mary for speaking so well at our July 3rd Vigil)
Gettysburg, Pa. - On May 7, 2005, the Civil War Preservation Trust. the nation's largest civil war land preservation group, with a national membership of 70,000 issued a press release strongly opposing the casino at Gettysburg. For full text, go to www.civilwartrust.org/pressreleases.
The Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) www.civilwar.org today condemned plans to build a casino adjacent to Gettysburg National Military Park. According to press reports, a group of investors is seeking a license to open a casino at the intersection of U.S. routes 15 and 30, east of Gettysburg. CWPT President James Lighthizer made the following statement in response to the proposal:“Gettysburg is America’s most sacred shrine to our nation’s Civil War dead. It was here that Lincoln first talked about a ‘new birth of freedom’ during ceremonies honoring those who fell in that tragic battle. Gettysburg is such an inappropriate location for a casino it is hard to believe that the proposal is receiving serious consideration. Casinos can be built anywhere; land where thousands of Americans ‘gave the last full measure of devotion’ cannot be moved.
“In addition to being hallowed ground, the Gettysburg Battlefield is a gold mine for the regional economy. According to a study CWPT released last year, non-local visitors to the battlefield spent more than $121 million in the area, supporting more than 2,650 local jobs and generating more than $17 million in state and local tax revenue. It would be folly to flood that gold mine with a wave of inappropriate development.“While we have documented proof of the economic benefits provided to the community by preserving the battlefield, the proposed casino is a shot in the dark.”
CWPT has saved 21,300 acres of hallowed ground, including 342 acres on the Gettysburg Battlefield. CWPT’s website is located at www.civilwar.org.
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James M. McPherson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning authority on the Civil War "It would be a desecration of their memory
and sacrifice to establish such a tawdry, tasteless enterprise next to their fields of honor."
Kent Masterson Brown, a civil rights lawyer in Lexington, Ky., who has written books on the Gettysburg campaign and
chaired the park's advisory commission, said: "If anything, we at this hour of the country's history need to make
sure that these places are maintained as hallowed grounds."
Reactions in Gettysburg and Pennsylvania includes Governor Ed. Rendell, Pa. Council of Churches, The Gettysburg
Ministerium (36 ministers), The Lutheran Theological Seminary, Rep. Steve Maitland, Rep. Steve Nickol, Rep. Paul
Clymer, Senator Brightbill, Senator Fumo, Gettysburg Civil War Roundtable, local citizens.
RESOLUTION OF THE GETTYSBURG COLLEGE FACULTY OPPOSING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A GAMING CASINO IN THE GREATER GETTYSBURG AREA 11/3/2005
"We, the members of the Gettysburg College faculty oppose the establishment of a gaming casino in the greater
Gettysburg area. Students at Gettysburg College are challenged to exercise their reason, to expand their knowledge
of the world, to develop healthy habits of mind and body and to engage in public service.
The presence of a gaming casino will interfere with this educational mission of the College. It will do damage to
the historical and cultural character of Gettysburg, which is an essential element of a Gettysburg College
education,
The experience of other cities and towns where casinos have been established suggests that the proposed casino at
Gettysburg will impose enormous social costs on our commuity. We view with alarm the prospect of sharing our
community with a "campus" across town whose stock in trade, gambling, incorporates values so clearly antithetical to
those of the liberal arts."
The above resolution was proposed, seconded, debated and deliberated for thirty-five minutes and for thirty minutes,
respectively, in full Faculty Meetings of Thursday, October 20, 2005, and Thursday, November 3, 2005.
The resolution was debated, voted, approved and adopted in the full Faculty Meeting of Thursday, November 3, 2005.
Governor Ed Rendell Opposes Gettysburg Site for a Casino
In an appearance on the Pennsylvania Cable Network program Pennsylvania Newsmakers 9/14/05, Rendell said: "I don't
think that gaming should be in places that have great heritage and great history." 'I wouldn't want a casino two
blocks from the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and if it were my decision, I wouldn't want it anywhere close to the
historic area of Gettysburg.' Rendell went on to say, "you don't want to have young children seeing a casino next
to a great historic shrine.'
Pennsylvania Council of Churches Opposes Gettysburg Casino
"In recent weeks a debate has taken place in the Gettysburg area as to the future impact of a gambling casino on the
economy and on the community. Promoters look forward to the creation of a thousand new jobs and increased wealth.
Adams and the surrounding counties may be in for all that the promoters predict and a complex of problems
that will more than cancel out any benefit that a casino brings. It is our belief that the net effect of the casino
will be to hinder the economy and cause many social problems. This is not just our opinion. An exhaustive study of
the literature done by two economists, Earl L. Grinols, from the University of Illinois, and David B. Mustard, of
the University of Georgia, states that in the first years of a gambling casino's operation, the economic impact
appears very positive. More jobs and money do come into the area. In time, the picture begins to change. Eventually,
the community ends up paying out more than two and a half times the benefits of the casino."
http://www.citizens4community.org/casino&gambling.htm
The reason for this change centers on how easily some people are addicted to gambling. When a casino moves into an
area, as many as ten percent of a counties citizens can in time become problem gamblers. As many as two to five
percent can become pathological gamblers. Although pathological gamblers only represent a small percentage of the
total number of citizens, their addiction can cause enormous damage. Henry Lesieur surveyed nearly 400 members of
Gamblers Anonymous chapter. While only 57% of them admitted any illegal behavior in financing their gambling habit,
these 400 people averaged stealing $135,000 each and their total theft was over $30 million. Add this total to the
bankruptcies, loss productivity at work, property loss, added police costs, broken families, and the ruined lives,
and you can start to appreciate the costs of gambling in a community.
In his first letter to the Corinthians (8:9), Paul admonishes his audience not to use our liberty at the expense of
vulnerable persons. This is the text where Paul counsels certain Christians not to eat meat sacrificed to idols if
it will cause a 'stumbling block' for those who are weak and fearful. Studies show that low-income persons and
elderly on fixed incomes spend more of their financial resources on gambling than middle or upper income persons.
It also threatens those who are prone to addictive behavior, regardless of income or age. A fair and equitable
society would not prey on the most vulnerable and engage in activities that violate the idea of progressive
taxation, where those who are most able to pay bear a greater portion of public burdens.
Gettysburg is an area that has thrived on its history. Most attractions in Gettysburg are family oriented. A
casino would detract from this wholesome image, and in fact, may cause damage to long standing businesses and
Gettysburg's traditional tourism industry. The National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling has cited two
startling statistics. First, in 1995, more money was spent on casino gambling than was spent on movie tickets,
theater, opera and concerts combined. Second, in 1993, Americans made more trips to casinos than they did to Major
League baseball games, NFL football games, symphony concerts and Broadway shows combined. What this
suggests is that every time legalized gambling expands to a new area that there is even more drain on these arts and
sports industries--a suggestion that does not bode well for the residents and workers in the Gettysburg area.
Why are we speaking out about a matter in another county? We have seen the damage that gambling addiction can do to
a family. The effects will not be limited to Adams county. Research by Dr. Earl Grinols suggests that 52% of those
who gamble at casinos are problem gamblers. People from our communities and those in Adams county will be drawn to
gamble and some will become addicted. We do not look forward to seeing our friends locally or from Adams County
having their lives ruined all for what look like a short sighted profit.
Rev. Sandra Strauss, Director of Public Advocacy, Pennsylvania Council of Churches
Rev. Dr. Bruce P. Bouchard, Chair, Public Advocacy Action Team,
Pennsylvania Council of Churches and Pastor, Grace United Church of Christ, Hanover
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Governor Rendell Opposes Gettysburg As Site of Casino, 9/15/05 Pa Cable TV live call in show transcript:
"If they ask me, and they're NOT gonna to ask me, but if they're asking me, I don't think that gaming should be in
places that have great heritage and great history. Because those are tourist places, where people come with their
families. I wouldn't want a gaming casino two blocks from the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, and if it were my
decision, I wouldn't want it anywhere close to the historic area of, of Gettysburg. So, if I had the decision,
notwithstanding the fact that David Le Van is my friend, uh, he's a, a campaign supporter of mine, but I think-and I
don't, I don't even know WHERE in Gettysburg this proposal is. But if it were anywhere NEAR the historic area I
wouldn't favor it. Having said that, remember, I don't make that decision. They took the politicians out of the
decision, uh, of who gets licenses and who, who doesn't and gave it to independent appointees. I have said publicly,
and I will continue to say, [very emphatic] I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD HAVE ANY GAMING NEAR a place that, because of
its history and its heritage, attracts families to visit. Because you don't want, y'know, to have young children
see a casino next to a great historic shrine. So, if I had the power, as much as a friend of David Le Van as I am,
if that proposal is anywhere near the historic area of Gettysburg, I would be against it. But, I want to stress to
you, I DON'T and you wouldn't WANT politicians to be making these decisions."
On 12/29/05 Governor Rendell told WGAL reporter Ben Simmonneau that he was "ABSOLUTELY" opposed to the Gettysburg
site. This interview came 1 day after Chance submitted its INCOMPLETE application to the PGCB.
Gettysburg Church Leaders Say ‘No’ To Casino;
Gambling Corrupts the Health and Well Being of Community
See www.christgettysburg.org/gettysburg/ministerium.htm for full text and list of signers.
May 23, 2005 (Gettysburg, PA) A broad coalition of church leaders from Gettysburg Pennsylvania recorded their
opposition to a “slot” gambling facility proposed by a group of investors for the interchange at Routes 15 and the
Lincoln Highway (Route 30).
In a remarkable display of unity, 35 clergy and church leaders who form the Gettysburg Area Ministerium signed a
one-page statement that read “We believe that legalized gambling corrupts the health and well being of our community
and its members.” The signers opposed “legalized gambling for moral reasons, for reasons of economic justice and for
the special and symbolic role that Gettysburg plays in our national life.”
The statement also asserted “gambling encourages an addiction that can devastate families financially and create
immense stress on marital and family life. Furthermore legalized gambling attracts and aggravates criminal activity
in our community.”
Recognizing the symbolic role that Gettysburg plays the national life, the clergy also pointed out the fact that “We
worship, live and work and on ground hallowed by the sacrifice of those who bravely died in the cause of freedom. A
gambling casino cheapens the memory and meaning of Gettysburg not just for our community, but for our nation.”
Fr. Andrew Sherman, rector of Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, said “I am delighted that this statement received
such strong and unified support from a group of pastors representing a wide spectrum of the Christian tradition.
There existed a clear consensus that we as pastors needed to speak to our community on this issue with clarity and a
united witness.”
The Rev. Gerry Stoltzfoos, Senior Pastor of Freedom Valley Worship Center, said “We all want to help improve our
community. But we simply must find a way to bring in commerce without enslaving our people.”
Even with an explicit pastoral concern for those who favor a gambling facility, the clergy were overwhelmingly
opposed to locating it in the Gettysburg area, agreeing that a casino threatens the fabric of the community’s life.
Signers represented Assembly of God, Baptist, Church of the Brethren, Church of Christ, Episcopal, Lutheran,
Mennonite, Methodist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, United Church of Christ, and additional evangelical ministries.
The list also included members of the faculty and staff of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, the
Adams Rescue Mission, and local prison ministries.
“The signers of this document are part of various traditions within the Christian Church,” said the Rev. Stephen
Herr of Christ Lutheran Church. He continued, “Their willingness to transcend that diversity and speak in unity in
opposition to legalized gambling in our area illustrates the significance the issue has become for our community.”
5/21/05 Our First Petition Drive was an overwhelming success. We got over 1000 signatures in a single day! ! See
fuller report on the message board and press release. What's clear is that our residents AND our tourists don't want
the casino, and many history tourists would not return if one were built here.
TheWGALChannel.com. 5/19/05 Town meeting was full of residents angry about the planned casino. Thanks to WGAL for
linking to our website!
Rep. Steve Maitland (R-Gettysburg) 5/13/05 Declares Opposition to Casino. (Hanover Evening Sun, 5/15/05) Rep.
Maitland said that although he had voted against Act 72, he didn't immediately come out against the casino proposal,
waiting to hear from his constituents. He said calls to his office have been overwhelmingly against the casino, and
while he expected those calls to taper off, that hasn't happened. Maitland told our group that as of 5/17/05, he had
received 215 calls against the casino and 14 for the casino. Maitland has taken a courageous stand for his
constituents, one that is creating some negative pressure toward him in the Capital.
Rep. Steve Nickol, Upper Adams, Opposes Gettysburg Casino
Rep. Paul Clymer, PA House District 145, Opposes Casino in Gettysburg (5/19/05) In a letter to the Gettysburg Times
Rep. Paul Clymer wrote: "Gettysburg is no ordinary city. Like Philadelphia, we learn from its history how our nation
was conceived and the sacrifice by our founding fathers to make this a land of opportunity for all. Today, the dark
storm clouds of casino gambling loom large over our state. Have we sold out to the purveyors of greed, power and the
politically connected? What value do we place on the Gettysburg battlefield and the men who fought so valiently? Are
they to be priced out by slot machines? Will enough voices be raised to protect the scarring of this priceless
treasure, of this hallowedground?
5/12/05 Civil War Roundtable of Gettysburg Opposes Casino see statement posted on message board.
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg Protests, 5/4/2005
see full statement and background information at
http://www.ltsg.edu/news/contragambling.htm
In a decision to register in the public discussion on a slot machine casino proposed for the Gettysburg area, the
board of directors of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg www.ltsg.edu declared its official opposition
to such a gambling facility at its May 4, 2005 meeting.
Seminary President Michael Cooper-White, interpreting this action as a part of the 179 year-old graduate school’s
role within the greater community, said “Gettysburg Seminary has a long standing commitment to be a good citizen
concerned for the well-being of this community that is our home. Our board went on record opposing activities that
in our best judgment will detract from the well-being of local residents and our millions of guests.”
The Seminary board also called upon “the greater Gettysburg community, its institutions and governmental authorities
to join in opposition against any plans to develop a legalized gambling enterprise in Adams County of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
The board’s discussion centered around three issues related to gambling concern, focusing on economic justice,
community impact and symbolic consideration of Gettysburg as a national historic treasure. A background section of
the board’s statement cited concerns about the impact on the community, both in human terms and in potentially
hidden costs in areas such as public services, law enforcement, land use, and existing retail segments of the
economy. The background statement’s last paragraph also articulated concern about the value of Gettysburg as a place
in the national life: “For Gettysburg to host a gambling facility of any kind is to cheapen and diminish the
symbolic value of this place and to abandon the historic witness it plays in American history. Gettysburg, known
around the world for its turning point in a great civil war, became a symbol of societal and national unity and
sacrifice for the sake of human dignity and freedom.”
Overflow Crowd Protests Casino at Gettysburg Ag Center, 5/5/05
Only 9 Days after the announcement of the Casino proposal an overflow crowd of 150-200 crowded into the Adams
County Agricultural Center to protest the plans. Meeting organizer Mark Berg rented the room on his own after he had
been rudely ejected from the investors publicly announced press conference. At the Ag Center meeting everyone was
able to speak freely. Only two people spoke in favor of the casino. Residents' objections centered on the clearly
empty promises of financial windfalls, grave social concerns for family safety, and particularly on the state law
legalizing gambling in PA. that gives locals no choice over whether a casino is placed in Gettysburg, or of the
development process or casino operations by a host municipality..."This is a local issue, and we can't let them take
the local control out of the issue." said Marty Qually. Susan Star Paddock thanked the investors for "bringing us
all together", pointing out that opposition cut across all political and social lines, and included Democrats,
Republicans, Green Party and Independents, religious and atheists, gamblers and non-gamblers. Opposition was so
strong that Berg told the crowd. "So if anyone says gambling is a done deal in Adams County, you just say, "Wanna
bet?" This first local meeting was the spontaneous start of our grassroots movement: No Casino Gettysburg