Council passes resolution opposing casino

A second resolution states town’s support for citizens to have the option for local referendums on locations for casinos, entertainment districts and more

by PATTI STOKES

STOKESDALE – It’s been a long, long time since Stokesdale Town Council has had so many citizens attend a council meeting, but on Aug. 10, every chair in the council meeting room was filled and several people stood against the back wall. Most who came were there to express their opposition to a proposed casino that would be located on 193 acres abutting Camp Carefree in Rockingham County, and only four miles north of the town limits of Stokesdale. Many carried bright red yard signs with white lettering that read “Keep Our Community Great – NO CASINO.”

During a period designated for citizen comments, former U.S. Congressman Mark Walker was the first of several speakers who shared their reasons for opposing the casino.