For The State Journal

CHARLES TOWN -- Officials with Charles Town Races & Slots have announced that they will seek a referendum on table games on Dec. 5.

Al Britton, general manager of the racetrack, shared the news with members of the Jefferson County Commission during their regular meeting Thursday.

"We're excited about this opportunity for the county," he said. "We think it's extremely important."

Britton noted that the $6.4 million the games are anticipated to draw for Jefferson County and its municipalities is "vitally needed" right now. About $4 million of that estimated amount would go directly to the county's schools.

"We're excited about that opportunity, as well as helping to provide 500-plus new jobs in the county," Britton said. "Our intention is to hire locally."

Training will be held on-site for the additional workers who will be needed if table games pass this winter, he added.

Residents last had the chance to approve table games in June 2007. For several months, officials with Penn National Gaming Inc., the track's parent company, expressed the fact that they would not bring forth a second referendum until they were sure voters were ready to support the addition.

"We said that what we needed in order to make a decision was to hear from the residents of Jefferson County," Britton said. "We've heard from many."

He noted the formation of the Vote Yes Table Games coalition that is led by area businessman Eric Lewis. The group now includes several of the county's leaders and many residents who have publicly shown their support of table games.

"There seems to be a sense of urgency," Britton said. "People formerly opposed to the notion have come out (in support.)"

County commissioner Patsy Noland and the group's president, Dale Manuel, acknowledged the ways in which video lottery terminal revenues have benefitted the budgets of the county and its municipalities.

"Without (the proceeds) we, right now, would be about $4 million in the hole," Noland said. "I think the racetrack has been a good neighbor."

Other commissioners reiterated their desire to maintain revenue levels for area horsemen.

"I think you have people listening and supporting your effort," Commissioner Jim Surkamp said. "We just care about the people who do the day-to-day, the horsemen's side."

Britton agreed, adding that he and others at CTRS understood the importance of preserving the track's revenue levels as competition for the casino develops in nearby Maryland.

Prior to Thursday's announcement, there had been discussion of running the table games vote with a planned zoning referendum in Jefferson County this fall. Britton said, however, that the issues will draw different residents to the polls. PNG decided it would be better to separate the two, as to not confuse voters.

Officials will formally submit their request for the referendum to the Jefferson County Clerk's office next month.