By David Eck
Enquirer contributor

LEBANON - If Ohio lawmakers pass legislation allowing video lottery terminals at horse tracks, they can make at least one sure bet: several Warren County churches and at least one Warren County commissioner will fight it.

That was the message coming out of a Warren County commission meeting Thursday. Several Lebanon city officials and more than a half-dozen pastors met with commissioners to discuss a possible state law permitting slot machines at horse tracks.

Their chief concern: slots being installed at Lebanon Raceway.

"I, for one, don't support this," Commissioner Mike Kilburn said. "I'm very concerned they are going to cram this down our throats."

Slots could bolster Ohio's ailing racing industry, proponentshave said. Lawmakers have also floated the idea as a way to ease the state's financial woes.

Mr. Kilburn said he is concerned that a lame-duck legislature may approve such legislation after the November elections.

But his colleagues and some Lebanon city leaders aren't quite ready to follow suit.

"I haven't made my mind up either way," Commissioner Larry Crisenbery said. "I do have concerns."

Lebanon Mayor Amy Brewer wanted to know what role City Council may have in the decisions surrounding the issue - and any decisions to fight it if it comes to pass.

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