Mercury News Editorial
Posted: 10/09/2014
There was only one thing we needed to know about Measure E to conclude that it's a bad idea for Milpitas and the South Bay.
It would more than double the number of gaming tables at Bay 101 from the current limit of 49 in San Jose to 115 if the club moves a few miles to Milpitas.
With increased capacity would come a corresponding increase in domestic violence, loan sharking, gambling addiction and other crimes and family crises routinely associated with serious gambling.
The effects won't be limited to Milpitas, just as they are not now limited to San Jose. But Milpitas voters can stop the expansion by voting no on Measure E.
A few years ago, Bay 101 tried an end run around the San Jose City Council and asked voters to approve more tables. The club ran a high-roller campaign, but voters saw through it and said no way. We hope Milpitas voters will be as perceptive.
If the number of tables were roughly the same, we'd be neutral on Measure E, despite the shift of around $8 million in tax revenue a year from San Jose, which badly needs the money. But more than doubling the number of tables means trouble for South Bay families: For a dad struggling with a gambling addiction, a casino that's close to home and open 24-7 is far more of a threat than the nearest Indian casino in San Pablo, more than an hour away.
Even if Measure E passes, a state law still would have to be changed to allow Bay 101 to cross the border without San Jose's permission. But voters' welcoming it to Milpitas would take expansion a step closer. Vote no on Measure E.
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