12.16.2009 -   

April 12, 2004

Kenneth K McKay

Chief of Staff

Office of the Governor

State House

Providence, Rhode Island 02903-1196

Dear Mr. McKay:

As Chairman of the recently formed Anti-Casino Task Force for the Rhode Island Hospitality & Tourism Association, I feel it appropriate to keep the Office of the Governor informed as to our efforts.

We had our first meeting on April 6, out of which came several initiatives:

·        While the House Finance Committee is on recess this week, an extensive letter writing campaign was put in place from all of the key leaders of the hospitality, lodging, travel and tourism entities in our state.  When Representative Costantino returns, he should find that the position of the tourism industry in Rhode Island is very clear in its objection to the proposed legislation to allow the Casino issue to be put on the ballot.

·        A total of ten Town Hall meetings have either occurred or been scheduled.  These are being held all over the state, with legislators from each particular region being invited to hear the objections of the tourism industry to the Casino initiative.  I would like to cordially invite Governor Carcieri and you to the one scheduled in Warwick, to be held at 8:30 am at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Crossings on Wednesday, April 28, 2004. 

·        We have identified a lineup of hospitality professionals for testimony at the State House hearings.  Representative Costantino, as Chairman of the House Finance Committee, has agreed to give the travel & tourism industry our own period of time for testimony.

·        A lineup of hospitality professionals has been identified to represent the industry on local talk shows.  Our public relations firm is working very diligently to maximize our exposure in the media.

·        We are in the process of creating a website to thoroughly present our position and argument against the Casino.

·        We will be printing payroll flyer inserts to be presented to as many of the 61,000 employees in our industry as is possible.  Additionally, we will be printing table tents to go on as many of our over 350 member restaurant’s tables as possible, clearly stating our position to our patrons and referring them to the above-mentioned website for further information.

Mr. McKay, these were the initiatives that were generated out of only our first meeting.  We are firm in both our position and our resolve to do everything that we possibly can to ensure that Rhode Island remains Casino Free.

Yours truly,

J. Rudi Heater