If Ottawa residents were going to cast their vote for
mayor today, chances are that Mayor Jim Watson would not be re-elected. While
he has brought a breath of fresh air to council chambers, his handling of the
casino file has been dismal, perhaps deplorable. His initial focus was good as
he stated the downtown area, readily accessible to all residents and visitors,
was the ideal spot to lure casino patrons away from Casino Lac Leamy. He caved
under pressure to save jobs at a location that is struggling to remain alive,
the Rideau Carleton Raceway. Tugging at the other end was Eugene Melnyk trying
to get a casino to prop up the finances associated with keeping the Senators
going. To make matters worse, Watson sent a letter to the Ontario Lottery and
Gaming Corporation seeking their permission for two casinos, knowing full well
that the answer would be no.
When it comes to responsible decision-making in
matters that may have long-term consequences, most people will try and make
their decisions based on a thoughtful consideration of making same for the
right reasons. Politicians however are the exception to this notion and Jim
Watson leads the pack this week for feeble leadership, placing short-term
interests ahead of long-term benefits.
After the dust settles and there is an expanded gaming
facility at the RCR, not much is likely to change. Those that currently go to the
RCR, and maybe a few others, will continue to go there. Those that currently
find Casino Lac Leamy more convenient will also go there. In the final analysis
not much will have changed, except perhaps for what Melnyk does to keep the
Senators in Ottawa.
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