Iowa: Local grassroots organization kicks off campaign against Cedar Rapids casino project
Iowans for Common Sense cited a poll that says residents do not want a new casino.
Key Points
- A recent poll shows two-thirds of Iowa residents are opposed to casino expansion
- The campaign has issued a petition asking for a moratorium on new casinos
Iowans for Common Sense, a group based in Des Moines, has initiated a campaign to block licensing for a proposed Cedar Rapids casino, as reported by the Corridor Business Journal.
The grassroots coalition released a written statement to local news, explaining its reasons for opposing the project. Iowans for Common Sense said it aims to “preserve the integrity of Iowa’s communities.”
Group spokesperson Zachary Harnde commented, “The message from Iowans is clear. People across the state value what our current casinos bring to their communities but do not support further expansion.
“Cedar Rapids residents, in particular, are firmly opposed, and we’re here to support them in amplifying their voices.”
As part of its campaign against a Cedar Rapids casino, Iowans for Common Sense has published a YouTube video and has created a petition that requests a moratorium on new casinos throughout the state.
The group also released a study conducted by UpOne Insight, a Virginia-based research and polling firm. According to the poll, 53% of Cedar Rapids residents are against the proposed new casino in Cedar Rapids and close to two-thirds said they do not want additional casino in Iowa.
However, Cedar Rapids Development Group President Jonathan Swain told local news that he questions the survey results.
Good to know: These are available on the group’s website
He commented, “The Iowans for Common Sense poll is not a credible reflection of public opinion – it was conducted not by a grassroots organization.
“This poll appears to be a thinly veiled attempt from a group more interested in eliminating potential competition than amplifying the voices of Linn County residents.”
The estimated $275m casino development project was pitched by the Linn County Gaming Association and its partner Peninsula Pacific Entertainment.
The completed destination would be home to a casino with 700 slot machines and 22 table games. The site would also feature a 1,500-seat entertainment venue, several restaurants, bars and an arts and cultural center.
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