November, 1994 |
Alexia Clarke:
While the Cup went to Brazil,
the world plays at Central.
Central Community Weighs Value of a Bridgeport Casino
By Sandra Jarrett
In recent months, Bridgeport has been of interest in the eyes of two millionaires, Donald Trump and Steve Wynn .
These two men have visions of making the city of Bridgeport a tourist center. Steve Wynn would like to build a multi-million dollar waterfront casino resort. Donald Trump would like to build a multi-million dollar waterfront theme park, planned by the designer of Disney World's Epcot Center.
Land for the casino resort has already been bought by Steve Wynn and his partner, A .Robert Zeff , owner of Jai Alai in Bridgeport. The casino resort will bring jobs plus tourists and tax dollars. Some fear the casino could bring violence and corruption to the city. Mayor Joseph Ganim and Republican gubernatorial candidate John Rowland support the casino project. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Curry is opposed to allowing additional casinos in Connecticut.
Trump's theme park could give summer jobs and good class trips to the students in Bridgeport.
I asked Central's head guidance counselor, Mr. Richard Shepard, how he feels about building a casino in the city of Bridgeport. He said, "I think it is a good idea because industries have left for cheaper labor in other parts of the world. Bridgeport must devise new ways of generating revenue. Both projects are estimated to bring in 11 billion dollars in spendable income. Being very close to New York, it would attract many people who do not want to go all the way to Atlantic City for a good game of blackjack or to get away from the kids."
Math instructor, Bishop Franklin Fountain, has a different opinion: "If a casino resort is built in the city of Bridgeport, it would offer additional jobs to many unemployed people in the city. If they built additional social and amusement facilities, it would enhance the city revenue and provide activities for Bridgeport citizens. However, I'm opposed to gambling activities which adversely affect the quality of life of many families."
