Business & Tech

Do Local Businesses Oppose the Graton Casino?

Is the casino-resort good for local businesses?

Hey Rohnert Park, are you ready for a casino in your own back yard? 

Graton Resort and Casino is set to open its doors in November and many have applied for jobs at the spacious Las Vegas-style casino. 

But some in the community are not so happy that the casino is coming to town. With a name like Stop Graton Casino, there's little surprise in the group's stance on the casino. 

In its latest press release, Stop Graton Casino alleges that many business owners in the community are opposed to the casino/resort. Some have placed window decals in their windows to show support for the coalition's efforts to halt the casino in Rohnert Park. 

Rohnert Park-Cotati Patch has provided extensive coverage of the casino and its detractors, but we have yet to poll the local business owners about the casino. 

And now we want to know from the business owners themselves.  Do you oppose the Graton Resort and Casino? Why or why not?

Here is the full release issued by Stop Graton Casino:

(Rohnert Park, CA) -  Local businesses are sprouting "Stop the Graton Casino" signs all over Rohnert Park.  The large placard signs sent by Stop Graton Casino to local businesses are beginning to appear in store windows in everything from Laundromats to home supply stores.

Feedback from business owners underscores the deep divide between Rohnert Park and Sonoma County elected officials and the people they serve. 

"It's clear the people still don't want this casino, and it's clear that they will not stop fighting, " said Chip Worthington of Stop Graton Casino.  "This issue isn't going away any time soon, no matter how much our elected officials wish it would."

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In a public statement on May 28, 2013, the Rohnert Park City Council estimated that tax revenue from local businesses will drop by $511,000, which represents  over $6 million in sales, in 2013 alone due to the casino.

Tribal casinos like the Graton casino do not collect or pay any taxes, including property tax, sales tax, taxes on food and beverage sales, transient tax, or corporate taxes.  Local businesses cannot compete with tribal casinos' tax-free status and blow-out prices. Heavy casino traffic also drives customers to other areas 

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 "There's good reason for local businesses to be worried." Mr. Worthington said. "All over the country in urbanized areas, casinos have been bad for local businesses.  In a still-weakened economy like ours, this casino is going to cause some businesses to go under."


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