The proposal to build the Foxwoods Casino at the Gallery is a clear indication of the lack of accountability on the part of our elected officials to the citizens of Philadelphia. In fact, the casino-siting process has been undeniably undemocratic from the beginning. From South Philly to Fishtown to Chinatown, backdoor deals have created these siting proposals with little to no input from neighborhood residents or community groups.

Simply put- Casinos do not belong in any city neighborhood. When casinos come into neighborhoods, crime rises and property values fall. They should not be in places where our residents live, work, learn and worship.

According to a 2007 poll, 79% of Philadelphia residents support the 1500 foot neighborhood buffer that is being proposed by community groups like Casino-Free Philadelphia and Asian Americans United.

Community planning needs to start in the community. I applaud the efforts of community groups to keep casinos out of our neighborhoods, and for holding our policy makers accountable to the people of this city by demanding a democratic and fair process for casino-siting.

Casey Cook
Executive Director
Bread & Roses Community Fund
www.breadrosesfund.org