Joe Turnham on bingo: Let's put the issue to a vote

The issue of “bingo” or “gaming” or VictoryLand or Country Crossings … etc … presents to the people of Alabama several fundamental constitutional, legal, political and economic questions to ponder and ultimately answer for ourselves.

Alabama counties and the facilities in those Alabama counties (which have been subjected to the Governor’s Task Force raids) claim they operate under already-approved constitutional amendments that are on the books. These amendments were passed by the Alabama Legislature and the people of these counties by popular vote. Local judges, district attorneys and sheriffs believe these facilities have the legal authority to operate. Even when measured with the recent ruling of the Alabama Supreme Court, they believe their machine modifications meet the intent of the law.

Sheriff Isom Thomas in Greene County believes his sworn oath is to protect the constitution; which means, stopping what he considers to be an illegal raid on the legally constituted Green Track. So does the district attorney, Michael Jackson. Sheriff David Warren of Macon County and district attorney E. Paul Jones who believe VictoryLand meets legal muster. The same goes for the good folks of Houston County and Country Crossings.

Enter Gov. Riley and his “task force.” Will we have a “gun-battle” in Eutaw or Shorter? This standoff reminds me of the scene from the classic movie, Cool Hand Luke (starring Paul Newman), when the sheriff says to Luke (prior to the gunshot that kills Luke) — “what we have here…is a failure…to communicate.” Indeed we do!

Regardless of the differing opinions on the merits or legality of gaming; these epic bingo showdowns have distracted our brave state troopers, lawyers, judges, the Alabama Legislature and dominated the headlines long enough. Gov. Riley’s handling of these episodes during the rundown to the 2010 election is bizarre and politically calculating (his approval rating has plummeted over this and is bleeding into the Republican Party). Furthermore, the high drama is further damaging our state’s image and is crumbling Riley’s legacy as governor.

The ultimate solutions to these constitutional and legal discrepancies should ultimately be found in the Legislature; and more specifically, by the voters of Alabama! The sideshows and drama have diverted scant resources away from funding for schools and prisons. Riley’s shutdowns of these facilities have already caused thousands of job losses for families across Alabama, including job losses in counties with 20 percent unemployment. It has also cost local governments badly needed revenue.

Republicans killed legislation this past week that would have put a constitutional amendment on the November 2010 ballot and given you the ability to decide this issue for yourself. Super-majorities of Alabama voters, including a majority of Republican voters, want the right to settle this issue at the ballot box Nov. 2. Let the people vote!

No more raids and no more “lucky machines” for the well-connected would be needed. Regulate it and tax it! Valid questions may exist about the electronic machines after the ruling by the Supreme Court. But let’s quit bickering and let’s take this matter into our own hands. Another statewide vote would settle this matter once and for all.

The state budgets are in crisis due to the recession. Teacher layoffs are inevitable and Medicaid and law enforcement are being cut. We need to find new revenue and the people of Alabama need to turn their attention to greater needs and causes.

Gaming already exists at the Native American facilities in Alabama and in Mississippi. Recent raids and court orders will not end gaming and won’t solve long-simmering legal feuds. So let’s put this issue to a vote of the people and get on with our lives.

Joe Turnham lives in Auburn and is the Alabama Democratic Party chairman.