RELEASE: WESTAMPTON COMMITTEEWOMAN – MAUREEN SMITH-HARTMAN – ENDORSES TRENTON’S BAD BET

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 15, 2016

Citing Concerns Over The Lack Of Transparency In The Referendum, Committeewoman Smith-Hartman Announces Opposition To North Jersey Casino Expansion

Newark, NJ – Committeewoman, Maureen Smith-Hartman today gave her support to Trenton’s Bad Bet. Justifiably worried about the lack of transparency that has been demonstrated by Trenton and what it will mean to her constituency in Westampton, the committeewoman opposes the referendum to expand casino gaming into North New Jersey.

“As a member of the Westampton Township Committee, I see the challenges we face on a local level every day. Our residents deserve an open and transparent local government; why should it be any different in state government?” asked Committeewoman Smith-Hartman.

New Jersey residents are looking for transparency, but so far the casino expansion referendum has been hammered out behind closed doors. Expanding gaming into North Jersey would come at a significant cost to local residents, yet lawmakers are asking them to vote on the referendum in November without even sharing the basics of the location that would allow for appropriate impact studies.

“Voters in New Jersey have been left in the dark about casino expansion – we don’t know where they will build the casinos or who will build the casinos. This blatant lack of transparency is why I stand with Trenton’s Bad Bet in opposing the casino expansion question in November.”

“We are honored to add Committeewoman Smith-Hartman to our growing list of grassroots supporters who are committed to stopping casino expansion,” said Trenton’s Bad Bet executive director, Bill Cortese.

“Committeewoman Smith-Hartman brings up some important points about the complete lack of transparency about the proposed casino expansion. One thing we do know is that Trenton has completely failed to keep its word on adequately funding our school districts, meeting their pension obligations and properly funding transportation – how can we expect them to meet promises regarding casino expansion?”

For more information about Trenton’s Bad Bet, or to follow its social channels, make donations, and find other opportunities to get involved, visit the group’s web site: www.TrentonsBadBet.org

# # #

About Trenton’s Bad Bet

Trenton’s Bad Bet is a diverse collection of concerned New Jersey community leaders, unions, businesses and residents that will work to oppose the New Jersey Casino Referendum that seeks to expand gaming into North Jersey.

Committee Contact:

Trenton’s Bad Bet
(201) 870-0548
[email protected]
www.TrentonsBadBet.org