Casino tax could bring some relief - 2004-02-09
Residents in northern Lake County have reason to be worried about their approaching property tax bills.

Changes in the state’s property tax system will transfer much of the property tax burden from industries to homeowners, tax experts have said.

Some tax-shifting effects may be unique to northern Lake County because of its historical reliance on industrial taxes.

But that region’s three cities also have a unique resource: money from casino boats.
Read the full story at Gary Post Tribune

Casino Queen gives most to Officer - 2004-02-09
The Casino Queen continues to reign when political donations in East St. Louis are concerned.

Newly filed campaign records covering the last half of 2003 show that the gambling boat once more was the single largest political donor to East St. Louis Mayor Carl Officer. During that six-month period, the boat and one of its owners gave Officer $7,000 - almost one-third of all his campaign income in that time - continuing the casino's sometimes-controversial tradition of heavy financial support for local politicians.
Read the full story at The St. Louis Post-Dispatch