Every time there is a news report about the wonderful things that are going to happen when we get a casino near the Gettysburg Battlefield, there is always some further information, quietly given, that is completely at odds with the first report. First, it was the Terry Madonna poll, conducted by a paid “consultant” with “impeccable credentials,” which received in-depth coverage in our local newspapers and television stations. Those who listened to the Bob Durgin radio talk-show out of Harrisburg in March heard Madonna finally admit that the one question that was never asked during his poll, authorized, paid for and scripted by Mason-Dixon casino, was “Did you know that the proposed casino is one-half mile from the Gettysburg Battlefield boundary?” Someone was very concerned that asking that question would not give the desired poll results. How come “the question that was never asked” did not get as much coverage as the constant assurances by David LeVan and his spokesperson, Dave LaTorre, about the “completely scientific and reliable” Madonna poll numbers.
Recently, a study was released by another Mason-Dixon paid “consultant” claiming that the casino would create 900 jobs. This number got wide coverage from both local television and newspapers. However, the disclaimer came, not on television or in the newspapers, but on a local radio talk show when guest David LeVan stated that many of the “900 jobs” would be construction jobs that would be short-term.
Advertisement
Many more would be jobs, not at the casino, but jobs created by the many companies that would service the casino. Actually, according to LeVan, the casino would create less than 400 jobs. But it is nice to have that “900″ number in peoples’ heads, and the disclaimer disappear into the air as soon as it is spoken.
DAN SIDERIO
MOUNT PLEASANT TOWNSHIP
Copyright © 2010 – York Daily Record
Clik here to view.
