There has been a lot of reluctance within Minnesota's political realm over the past couple of years in regard to the introduction of racinos in the state. Although, according to a report, the tide could be turning
.
The Star Tribune has reported that although the Anoka County Board voted against a racino proposal roughly two weeks ago, the board's commissioner, Jim Kordiak, has now gone on the record as saying that he will be bringing a new racino proposal to the board, and that he has the support to pass it.
Running Aces Harness Park is within Anoka County. Kordiak was one of the board members that voted again the racino proposal on November 8.
Ultimately, legislative action is needed in order for a Running Aces, which already has a poker room, to become a full-blown racino.
"If putting slot machines in our racetracks is a way to add to our tax base, and possibly add jobs, I think we need to have an inclusion of racino in the legislative packet," the report quoted Kordiak as saying. "The city of Columbus wants racino, the city of Forest Lake wants racino and the Northwest Area Chamber of Commerce has come out in support of racino. I think we need to support them."
(With files from the Star Tribune)