I'd Like Your Opinion

Matt Afryl January 7, 2013 at 08:02 pm

I own an Xbox and play video games all the time in Woodridge. This is illegal?

Mike Krucek January 7, 2013 at 08:10 pm

No Matt, you're fine. I'm referring to video gambling machines which are legal in Illinois but not in Woodridge.

Evelyn January 8, 2013 at 03:06 am

Hey Mr Mayoral candidate ... Interesting question and seeking feedback, so not easy to criticize you, however being a Mayor requires leadership .... What would be your leadership position with the Board....... And I don't want an answer of getting feedback from residents....your the leader...what is yourposition

Mike Krucek January 8, 2013 at 01:51 pm

Hi Evelyn, I didn’t start with my position as I really wanted to hear what people thought and didn’t want to influence what others had to say. After researching the issue I believe it’s time to change the law and allow video gaming in Woodridge. Following are the reasons I have come to this position and why I’d rather act now than react later.
There have been a couple of arguments put forward as to why video gaming should not be allowed. 1 - Increased crime/problems in the establishments offering gaming: I have not been able to find anything that shows this to be true. If anyone can direct me to such a study I’d certainly look at it. So I don’t consider this a problem. 2 – Addiction: By offering video gaming we will be helping someone addicted to gambling feed that addiction. For someone addicted to gambling I do not believe they have a problem finding places to gamble. From riverboats to horse tracks to OTBs to a drive to neighboring towns there are plenty of ways to find an outlet for their addiction. Again, if someone can direct me to a study that shows bringing video gaming into a community increases this problem I would take that into consideration. So why allow it? It comes down to two main points for me. (see next post)

Mike Krucek January 8, 2013 at 01:55 pm

1 – Business Retention and Competitiveness: If as a village we are truly interested in keeping our businesses and helping them grow we can’t put them at a competitive disadvantage. Lemont currently allows video gaming and Westmont just voted to change their law and allow it. It’s only a matter of time before other towns around us make the same decision. I would not be doing my job as mayor if I told our business owners they could not offer their customers something their competitors in the town next door offered.
I liken this to the proposed smoking ban that Woodridge looked to pass several years ago. None of our neighboring communities were going to pass a ban and it would have meant a loss of business for our restaurants and bars if we had passed the law. If we want to lessen the tax burden on residents we need to keep our business community strong. They have invested significant dollars in town and we can’t handcuff them. (sorry, finished on the next post))

Mike Krucek January 8, 2013 at 01:55 pm

2 – Revenue. I don’t know how much we would receive in revenue from the local portion of the tax and any licensing fees. I don’t know how many businesses would want to add the machines. Yet any revenue generated would be more than we currently receive. I’m actually just as concerned with the loss of revenue we would experience if we keep the ban in place. If a customer chooses to go to an establishment in another town because they offer video gaming it’s a customer that is not spending money here. No sales tax collected from that customer, no income for the business, a loss for Woodridge.
I’d rather see every dollar possible kept local, in Woodridge. I’d be interested to hear why someone would want to see those dollars go to other communities. I’d also ask anyone who has questions about the actual law in Illinois to go to the following web site - http://www.igb.illinois.gov/VideoGaming/default.aspx. You can find out more about the law, restrictions and more. I hope this answers your question and I look forward to any comments, for or against my position. All I ask is that everyone be respectful here. I’d finish by saying as your Mayor you can expect straight answers from me. I’m interested in hearing from everyone in the village, even those that may disagree with my views. When I have come to a decision I’m happy to share it with you. Just ask. I think the next leader of Woodridge owes that to its residents and businesses. Thanks for your question.

Tina Huber January 8, 2013 at 03:29 pm

Regardless of whether or not I agree with all of your positions, I congratulate you and appreciate that you are taking on the issues and I know exactly where you stand on them. It gives me a reason to believe that I can trust you as our mayor and not worry that anything will happen behind our backs or that excuses will be made.

Mike Krucek January 8, 2013 at 04:07 pm

Thank you for your comments, Tina. I'm not naive enough to think that everyone will agree with me all the time. I think it's important to answer questions people have and to deal with issues in a proactive way. It is important for Woodridge residents to know where all candidates stand on all issues, not just the easy ones. I look forward to continuing open and honest discussions as we make Woodridge a better place to live.

Evelyn January 8, 2013 at 04:18 pm

Thanks for responding. I would prefer Woodridge mirror the communities. Of Naperville, Lisle, Bolingbrook Darien , Clarendon hills, Hinsdale willow brook, and downers grove that prohibit video gambling

Mike Krucek January 8, 2013 at 04:41 pm

I understand and I respect your point of view. Would your view change if you saw some of those communities revisit the issue and allow it?

Anna K January 9, 2013 at 01:37 am

So if you're elected you plan on changing the law and allowing video gambling?

Mike Krucek January 9, 2013 at 01:04 pm

No Anna, that would not be my plan nor would it be possible. While it may seem like the mayor can do what he or she wants that's not how I would proceed and it's not how I would want our village to work.
As the leader of the village I would be working with the Board of Trustees and staff to do what the residents of Woodridge want. My ideas along with those of the board, residents and business would be discussed and we would need to build consensus to proceed on any issue. It's not my job to dictate to anyone as to how we move forward. I'll advocate for my positions and try to convince both residents and trustees that my ideas are in the best interest of Woodridge. And along the way I'm sure those ideas will improve through the contributions of others. You'll know where I stand and why. But I'm not going to impose my ideas on anyone.

Evelyn January 9, 2013 at 01:37 pm

So disappointed . Political jibber ish . Bottom line you said you would "advocate for your position". So bottom line you would advocate for allowing gambling in Woodridge.

Mike Krucek January 9, 2013 at 02:31 pm

I'm sorry you're disappointed Evelyn. You asked for my position and I stated it. I've come out with a number of ideas and positions, of which I'm the only candidate for Mayor who has done so. Does anyone know where my opponents stand on any issue including this one? I understand people will have different views than me and look forward to hearing them. At this point we don't know how many of our eligible businesses would want to add it, what Village residents really think, what an ordinance might look like, and more. But I believe we should look at the issue. And yes, I'll advocate for my positions, all of them. That doesn't mean my ideas will come to pass.
If I might I'd like to know your reasons for opposing video gambling. And I'm interested in knowing if you would change your position if the towns you mentioned above changed their position and allowed it. There are a lot of issues and topics to be dealt with over the next four years and I'll be talking about all of them. I hope to hear more of your views on all these topics as well.

Donna Ruyter January 9, 2013 at 03:44 pm

My name is Donna and I bought my home in Woodridge in 1984. I've raised 3 wonderful (adult now) boys and for most of the time I was a single mom. I have lots of likes with this town and of course, a few gripes. I think for one the taxes are way to high for what we have but I am not going to go on and on now about this.
My reason for comment is about the video gaming. I have been employed as a Manager/Bartender at Shanahan's in Woodridge for 12 yrs and I have seen many, many ups and downs with this business. The economy has hurt us, the recent construction was horrible for business and the smoking ban even though I was HAPPY it went through hurt us for awhile too. I do think however if this gaming issue isn't approved for Woodridge it will devastate small businesses like Shanahan's. I feel that if we can't have this approved that NO GAMBLING what so ever should be allowed which includes lottery tickets ect. I know that may sound petty but this is a to each his own choice. If someone doesn't approve of this don't play them. It's kind of like if your not happy with a TV show, change the channel. I think this would bring in positive revenue not only for the businesses that had these gaming machines BUT also for the town, which in turn could help lower taxes and make it more comfortable for the residents to live; instead of struggling or selling. Thank You for reading this Donna Ruyter

Bill Filer January 24, 2013 at 11:21 pm

I am in favor of legalized Video Gaming in the State of Illinois and believe Woodridge, IL should allow legalized Video Gaming in its Liqour Pouring establishments. The Illinois Legislature overwhelmingly approved Video Gaming to take place in the State but allowed the towns the latitude to opt out. The 25% tax that Illinois imposes will be put directly towards the Illinois Capitol bill which is designed to put people back to work in the State of Illinois thru capitol infrastructure programs. Woodridge., IL will directly earn a 5% tax from the machines. I have heard of towns that have used this tax to lower the real estate taxes for all property owners in the town. It is unfair for businesses in Woodridge to not be able to participate in legalized Video Gaming. We hope that the Village Board will reconsider. Recently the following towns have opted in: Westmont, Oak Brook Terrace, Lemont, Lockport, Addison, Brookfield, Joliet and Romeoville just to mention a few in the area.
Bill Filer Woodridge, IL resident

Bill Filer January 24, 2013 at 11:35 pm

I am in favor of the legalized video Gaming. I am resident and also a business owner in Woodridge. This is a great opportunity for Woodridge liquor pouring establishments which by the way are mostly small businesses. Since the downturn in the economy these businesses have been struggling and this will certainly give a boost to their businesses. With the 5% and license fees Woodridge will be able to help the community by lowering taxes and other improvements to the village.
Mary Filer Woodridge, IL resident

Evelyn January 26, 2013 at 12:26 am

Mr, Mrs and Ms Woodridge in the interest of FULL DISCLOSURE Mr Bill and Mary Filen are the owners of American Video Gaming LLC which is licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board as a Terminal Operator. While you are entitled to your opinion shame shame on both of you for not disclosing that pertinent information.

Mary Fiore Filer January 26, 2013 at 12:45 am

yes we are the owners of American Video Gaming. We are residents and a business owner in Woodridge. Being a business in Woodrdge paying Woodridge taxes we would hope that Woodridge we support our industry. If you have any questions regarding video gaming I would be more that happy to answer them.