As reported by: IndyStar.com
In a move that could spell trouble for the French Lick casino, state lawmakers will review the project's progress and the state's decision to award the license to Donald Trump's company.

Indiana Rep. Robert Alderman, chairman of the House Public Policy and Veterans Affairs Committee, on Tuesday said he's concerned about Trump's bankruptcy court reorganization and has scheduled a hearing Thursday to review the project.

Alderman also said he will push through legislation that would remove all seven members of the Indiana Gaming Commission -- two of whom have served since 1993 and all of whom have been appointed by Democrats -- so that Gov.-elect Mitch Daniels can pick his own gambling panel.

Currently, there's no legislation addressing the French Lick casino, Alderman said.

But he said one option for lawmakers is to revoke Trump's license.

"We gave a second license to a guy who owes the state money," said Alderman, R-Fort Wayne. Trump owes the state about $15 million from an Indiana Tax Court decision requiring all casinos to pay back taxes.

"I have a lot of concerns," Alderman said. "It's time to put the brakes on this."

"That would be devastating to this community," said Adina Cloud, an Orange County resident and chairwoman of the Historic Hotel Preservation Commission.

This legislative interference comes two years after lawmakers gave Indiana's 11th and final gambling license to economically depressed Orange County. In July, the Gaming Commission voted 4-2 to award the casino license to Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts. In November, the company filed for bankruptcy protection to get out from under $1.8 billion in debt.

Greg Hahn, an Indianapolis attorney for Trump, said he's not worried about Thursday's hearing. He said Trump is working with the Indiana Department of Revenue to pay back those taxes owed. In addition, the casino's groundbreaking is still planned for early this year, Hahn said.

Gaming Commission Chairman Donald Vowels said the commission would be concerned about Trump if the project slowed down. "That has not occurred," he said.

The Gaming Commission expected bankruptcy reorganization and is satisfied with the project's progress, said spokeswoman Jenny Arnold. Once the bankruptcy proceedings are done, then Arnold said the commission should look again at the project to make sure everything's on track.

Gov.-elect Mitch Daniels, who also has expressed concerns about Trump's finances, said through a spokesman that Thursday's hearing is a good first step. As for whether Daniels wants to appoint his own people to the Gaming Commission, spokesman Marc Lotter said that issue should be left to lawmakers.


Article By: IndyStar.com