Friday, February 7, 2003

Pitts' proposals: legalized gambling, ending the Recreation Authority

Fulton County District 2 Commissioner Robert L. "Robb" Pitts asked his colleagues last week to support separate resolutions urging the Georgia General Assembly to allow pari-mutuel betting and casino gambling, and to end the Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority.

Both issues were held and will be discussed again at next Wednesday's County Commission meeting.

The proposed resolution on pari-mutuel and casino gambling asks for legislation that would authorize a referendum to amend state law and allow pari-mutuel betting and casino gambling in municipalities with Special Entertainment Districts.

The Atlanta City Council passed a similar measure for the legislature February 3.

"I want to track the city's resolution," said Commissioner Pitts, who helped conceive of the Georgia State Lottery when he was a member of the Atlanta City Council.

"This would provide a new source of revenue and create jobs for Atlanta. I've been on the record for the past 17 years, and this issue is worthy of consideration."

Commissioner Pitts' proposed resolution regarding the Recreation Authority states that the group should be terminated because it has accomplished its main purpose: building and placing into operation an athletic stadium.

Any remaining obligations such as outstanding bonds and contracts could probably be handled by an experienced government finance employee, he noted.

"It (the Authority) has outlived its usefulness," Commissioner Pitts said.