Nutter wants 'decisive action' on city's 2nd casino license

During remarks Tuesday at the International Association of Gaming Regulators in Center City, Mayor Nutter urged the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to finally vote on the second casino license in Philadelphia.

"The record's been closed for some time," said Nutter, referring to the fact that public suitability hearings, where applicants made their cases before the board members, took place eight months ago at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Speaking generally of deliberative bodies, Nutter said that "taking action is very important." It should be "decisive action," he said. Doing nothing is "the worst," he said.

That's how Nutter then described what Philadelphia City Council did with his proposal to sell Philadelphia Gas Works.

Gaming board member Greg Fajt, who introduced Nutter to the meeting, said later that he appreciated Nutter's honesty.

"The mayor is anxious for us to make a decision," Fajt said. "We're still deliberating and hopefully we'll make a decision soon."

But Fajt would not say if a decision could be expected in the final two months of the year.

Harold Brubaker