Coffee and Conversation: A Community Issues Forum!

01/31/2005

Come join your fellow citizens in a nonpartisan setting for a lively
conversation about a current hot topic. Deliberate with one another
face-to-face, explore options, weigh others’ views, consider costs and
benefits to public policy decisions.  This is the first in a series of
Coffee & Conversation Forums!

WHEN? Saturday, February 26th

WHAT TIME? 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

WHERE? Mayo High School Cafeteria

COST? FREE! Open to the Public! 

WHAT’S THE ISSUE? 
“Gambling: Problem or Solution to the State Budget Deficit?”

A hot topic at the Legislature this year is the issue of tribal gaming.
Members of some Indian communities would like to maintain the current
exclusivity of their tribes in operating casinos and other venues.
Still, other Indian communities, such as the northern tribes, have
expressed interest in pairing with the state of Minnesota in operating a
casino in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, while some groups are
advocating a state-run casino, perhaps at the Mall of America or a
racetrack, such as Canterbury Park or a proposed harness track in Anoka
County.

What’s at stake are millions of dollars. It has become a front-burner
issue as state revenues have failed to keep up with spending, creating
budget deficits that the governor and lawmakers have to patch.

More Information: http://www.rneighbors.org/C&C.htm

WHO IS INVITED? Everyone!! YOU, City Council Members, County
Commissioners, School Board members, State Representatives, State
Senators…

WHO ARE THE SPONSORS? A partnership of community groups working to
promote Citizen Dialogue: 
Rochester Public Schools Community Education
League of Women Voters
Rochester Area Council PTSA
Rochester Area Foundation
Rochester Community and Technical College
Rochester Neighborhood Resource Center
Rochester Post-Bulletin
University Center Rochester

COMING APRIL 9th—Coffee & Conversation: State Investment in
Education: Early Childhood to Higher Education

- Janet Kruger