A few months ago, city of Greensboro staff developed a recommendation to increase the fee on electronic gaming devices or gambling machines in commercial establishments. The idea was to discourage the proliferation of these throughout the city.
It turns out that the only person who spoke against the proposal was Isa Abuzuaiter. His wife, Marikay, is running for the city council at-large:
Isa Abuzuaiter spoke against the fees for gambling machines. The fee increases that passed are $2,500 per location and $500 per machine. The vote to increase the fees pays 5 to 4, with Perkins, Bellamy-Small, Kee and Vaughan voting against it.
It is my understanding that the Abuzuaiter's own one or more businesses that might at least theoretically benefit financially from this type of gambling machine. Interestingly, it was the liberal wing of the council-- including Robbie Perkins and Nancy Vaughan-- that opposed this move even though gambling preys upon the poor. These folks are Marikay Abuzuaiter's political allies this election season. And ironically, these are the parties who also often whine about the necessity to defer to city staff.
I suppose that a vote for Marikay might also be a vote to make the city safer for unrestricted electronic gambling.
I do not go to any store that hands poker machines in them.
Posted by: Sal Leone | October 31, 2011 at 07:06 PM
I don't use these machines either, but I don't believe that the true conservative position would support increasing revenues to the government by raising fees to discourage behavior. That's just another form of government coercion.
Posted by: Spag | October 31, 2011 at 09:18 PM
Sam, you are right that the classical conservative position is non-intervention in private markets. There are times, however, when localities deviate from that ideal in order to maintain order and protect the weak. Some social conservatives would argue that discouraging gambling machines is a good place to start.
Posted by: Joe Guarino | October 31, 2011 at 10:00 PM
I agree with Joe, sometimes govt has to stop what is wrong. The people need protection from themselves, because gambling is an illness.
POKER MACHINES ARE BAD NEWS
Posted by: Sal Leone | November 01, 2011 at 03:01 AM
Then just ban them outright. Otherwise, there is an incentive for government to keep them legal. Look at the tobacco industry and how it enriches government. There is no reason why tobacco should not be banned when one considers how many other drugs/substances have been banned except for the tax revenue it generates.
Posted by: Spag | November 01, 2011 at 11:12 AM
"Then just ban them outright."
"There is no reason why tobacco should not be banned......"
Exactly.
Posted by: bubba | November 01, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Why do you think Marikay's husband felt so strongly about this issue that he felt the need to speak before the city council? Do you think they are passionate advocates of limited government?
Posted by: Joe Guarino | November 01, 2011 at 11:47 AM
Not defending her, just offering my own view of the issue.
Posted by: Spag | November 01, 2011 at 12:21 PM
Sam, I did not mean to suggest that you were defending her. Was merely seeking your opinion and also Bubba's opinion.
Posted by: Joe Guarino | November 01, 2011 at 12:50 PM
"Do you think they are passionate advocates of limited government?"
No, he obviously has a self interest to defend.
Does anyone really think that Madame Abuzaiter would be a "passionate advocate of limited government" when it comes to setting policy for the city?
Posted by: bubba | November 01, 2011 at 05:41 PM