Casino-Free Philadelphia
Casino-Free Philadelphia
Nobody asked Philadelphians if they wanted casinos in their neighborhoods. Act 71, the act that brought the advent of gaming to Pennsylvania, was passed in the middle of the night with no public input.
Casino-Free Philadelphia has been fighting to give residents and small businesses a voice. They include members from across the city who are fighting for neighborhoods due to the undemocratic process by which casinos and the negative impacts of slots parlors on a city, including traffic and crime.
Their campaigns have fought for city's zoning rights, the release of hidden public documents (like updated traffic plans and revenue projections), and the opportunity for the public to vote on a refederendum to stop currently licensed and future casinos from being built in Philly's neighborhoods.
Marc has worked closely with Casino-Free Philadelphia leadership as an advisor and speaker, and on the street as an organizer.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (December 12, 2006) quotes Marc after a major protest:
| "Democracy belongs to everybody," said protester Marc Stier, who plans to run for Philadelphia City Council. "When there's not enough opportunity for public input, our democracy is threatened. When documents are hidden from us, our democracy is threatened. |
What You Can Do to Help
- Join Casino-Free Philadelphia's listserve to get up-to-date information about their current efforts.
- Contribute financially to Casino-Free Philadelphia
- Read more about Casino-Free Philadelphia's work on their website: www.casinofreephila.org
