It was a public hearing-- people in Lawrence County have been waiting for -- a chance for them to show how much they support having a combination race track And casino--- built in their backyards.The hearing itself took place this morning before the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which will ultimately decide if a gaming license will granted. It was chance for the people of Lawrence County to show off, brag a little and as it turned out they took full advantage of the opportunity.

The meeting room this morning at the Mahoning Township Hall was so crowed, they stood six deep in the back. Some came in t-shirts, some in suits, some in Roman Collars. But it seemed like all were glad that the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board was in town.

"YOU MAY HAVE PICKED UP ON THE EXCITEMENT IN THIS ROOM, IT'S SPREADING AND ITS CONTAGIOUS, PERSONALLY I'M FLOATING ON AIR. I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M HERE AND I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'RE HERE."--Steve Craig

Representatives from Centaur Incorporated of Indiana, which will build and operate what will be called Valley View Downs, put on an impressive display for what should be an impressive facility, to be built Route 4-22, three miles east of the Ohio border. There will be a harness track, casino, grandstand, food court and fine dining...a project worth well over 400 million dollars, and a thousand new jobs.

Now wonder the people of Lawrence County want it so much.

"I HAVE NEVER SEEN A COMMUNITY COME TOGETHER AS IT HAS THE LAST FOUR YEARS AS WE COMPETED FOR A PROJECT IN LAWRENCE COUNTY."--Chris Sainato

The entire hearing lasted three hours. While we were there, not one person spoke against the project. Even Father James Downs showed his support.

"I DON'T SEE GAMBLING AS A PARTICULAR MORAL OR IMMORAL ISSUE, I SIMPLY SEE IT AS AN ADULT BEHAVIOR THAT RESPONSIBLE ADULTS HAVE TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO."--Father James Downs

At end of the meeting, a spoke man for Valley View Downs did tell the Board a deadline. A decision must be made by June 15, in order the keep the necessary financing in place. The board did not indicate if a decision would be made by the June 15th deadline. It is scheduled to meet on June 11th, but it's unknown if it'll be prepared to decide.