Video poker action tabled

Published 6:00 am Sunday, March 18, 2018

The Iberia Parish Council tabled a resolution asking state legislators to bring up video poker legalization in the parish.

The decision was not so much a disagreement among council members than an agreement that if the council seriously pursues bringing back video poker to Iberia Parish timing will be an important factor.  

“Remember, if we don’t have the delegation’s support, this thing dies and we don’t know if we can ever bring it back,” Councilman Brian Napier said. “There are forces out there that are going to be against us. There are people and organizations that will fight us. If we don’t have a game plan we’re going to lose that opportunity.”

The cause of concern deals with St. Martin and St. Mary parishes, which allow video poker and could stand to lose some revenue if Iberia Parish residents driving to those parishes instead chose to stay to gamble in Iberia Parish. 

Iberia Parish’s two state senators also are based in St. Martin and St. Mary parishes ,respectively, which led Napier to desire a meeting about the issue before a resolution was created. Napier even suggested forming a committee to hash out the issue. 

“Just throwing it out there on a wing and a prayer, I’d rather sit at a table with these guys to make sure,” Napier said. “Because if we lose one or two, we won’t get it.”

Every council member who spoke was in support of the measure, with only timing and where to send the poker funds being points of disagreement. 

“Let’s sit down with our legislators and see if they support us,” Councilman Marty Trahan said. “And make it strictly for roads, we need all the road money there we can get. Public Works is real bad right now.” 

“I would definitely be in agreement if we did roads and sewer,” Councilman Warren Gachassin said. “That’s the only way I’ll vote for this. I don’t want to see any of it to go to the General Fund. I think a lot of our people are leaving the parish and gambling in St. Martin and St. Mary.”

Councilman Tommy Landry, who introduced the resolution, said the infrastructure that video poker could provide make it a no-brainer.

“It draws people. It draws small restaurants and increases income to grocery stores,” Landry said. “You can pay your rent and your insurance, it’s going to offset costs to improve your bottom line.”

Several council members were shooting to bring an election to the voters next year, and talks to begin with the Iberia delegation after the current session ends. 

“I don’t think we need to rush this thing,” Councilman Lloyd Brown said. “I went through this and I’m telling you, you will have fighting from all sides. Even when you put it on the ballot. Let’s take our time and don’t rush it. It’s going to be a battle, we’re going to have to get ready for a fight.”