Last night I stopped by the Harrah’s Chester “Racino” to check out the action since they might have table gaming soon. It seems pretty comparable to what we have in Delaware – a gaming floor, simulcasting, the “End Zone Sports Bar” (without parlay betting!).
But there is something they have that we don’t … a prison!
That’s right, next door to Harrah’s is SCI Chester – a Pennsylvania State Prison. I thought, “How can we compete against that?” Well, Democrat Senator George Bunting has the solution (it will require adding an additional gaming facility in Sussex County). The following letter was sent to legislators yesterday morning:
Dear Fellow Legislators,
Since Lower Delaware is experiencing the highest unemployment in our state, I have written to our Congressional delegation asking for assistance in allowing Delaware to also be considered as a location for the Federal prison along with our neighbor, Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
I believe this to be a win-win for our state based on the following:
1. High wages with Federal benefits
2. The structure and facility would be privately owned
3. Private contractors for all on-going supplies and materials
4. Taxes on the land, if privately held
5. If the state leases the land, the on going income for the life of the prison facilityTo date, I have had no reply from anyone at the Federal level. Therefore, I am reaching out to you requesting your assistance in pushing for this as well. I would be happy to discuss this further with you.
Thank you.
Best regards,
George Bunting
One factual error in his letter, New Castle County, according to the most recent Department of Labor statistics, has the worst unemployment in the State.
But what an idea — make Delaware more competitive with Chester Pennsylvania.
We have hit another new low. Casinos and prisons are considered job growth engines. Amazing.
given that the state can’t adequately staff or manage the prisons we have… I don’t think that is an area they should seek to expand.