Huntley gives go-ahead to video gaming in town
By Jeanie Mayer For The Courier-News June 15, 2012 1:54PM
Updated: July 18, 2012 6:35AM
HUNTLEY — An ordinance to allow video gaming in the village was approved Thursday night, but not without some opposition from one of the trustees.
Trustee Harry Leopold read from a prepared statement citing the reasons he believed the gaming ordinance should be researched further before a vote.
He said he conducted some informal polling of residents after the proposal was discussed at the village board’s June 7 committee of the whole meeting. He said that out of 110 residents, 99 of them were against allowing gambling in Huntley.
“As a trustee, I strive to learn the concerns of our residents and act in their best interests. In this case, it is my conclusion that allowing video gambling in Huntley is not in their best interests,” he said.
Leopold requested the board table the vote until one or more public hearings could be held to determine residents’ wishes on the matter.
Trustees did not discuss the issue further, but Village President Charles Sass said he did not think a public hearing on the matter was necessary.
The ordinance to allow up to five video gaming terminals at each of 10 bars and truck stops was approved by the board, with Leopold the only dissenting vote.
