SOS In The News

133rd District candidates spar on proposed slots parlor

Rooney and Nelthropp disagree on use of the Bethlehem Works site.

By Matt Assad Of The Morning Call

South Bethlehem's potential to become a tourist destination as a museum and restaurant district will be tainted and ruined if a slot machine parlor is built on the Bethlehem Works site, according to Republican state representative candidate Al Nelthropp.

Nelthropp, who is challenging Democrat T.J. Rooney for his 133rd District seat, said Rooney's campaign to bring a slot machine resort to the former Bethlehem Steel property is a misguided plan that will not benefit the people of south Bethlehem.

Rooney said last week he intends to lobby the state to deliver a gambling license that would allow a slots resort to become part of the Bethlehem Works museum, restaurant and shopping district on land bought last week by BethWorks Now, a group of investors.

Rooney contends the slots parlor would bring revenue to help develop the former Bethlehem Steel site while helping to lower taxes.

''Mr. Rooney's arrogance and contempt for the voters is a clear indication that he does not have the best interest of the residents of Bethlehem in mind,'' Nelthropp said during a Thursday news conference in front of the Bethlehem Works site. ''The Christmas season attracts tourists from all over the United States and world. Do we want to turn Bethlehem into a Nevada, an Atlantic City? I, for one, do not.''

Rooney said Nelthropp's stance shows his ignorance of the issue. The state's slots legislation allows a single slot facility in each area that gets a license. There will be no gaming tables and no line of competing casinos, just a single slots parlor that would enhance the area's potential as a destination, Rooney said.

''Obviously Mr. Nelthropp hasn't read the legislation,'' Rooney said. ''How could anyone take a position on an issue without knowing the facts? I understand people who want to question whether it's right to put slots in south Bethlehem, but I don't understand cutting off the debate without weighing the advantages and disadvantages.''

Nelthropp contends that Bethlehem Works can be developed easily, and south Bethlehem can become a booming tourist destination without the help of slots money.

''They bought the property without a slots license, and they'll have no problem developing it without one,'' Nelthropp said. ''Gambling would change the whole ambiance. It goes against the family atmosphere most people are hoping will be created over there.''

Nelthropp is an Allentown attorney who lives in Catasauqua and is making his first run at public office. He was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and raised in St. Croix before getting his law degree at the University of Puerto Rico Law School. He has been in private practice in the Lehigh Valley since 1986.

As a fiscal and social conservative Republican who opposes gun control, Nelthropp acknowledged he's facing an uphill battle to win a traditionally Democrat district seat from a longtime incumbent.

''One day Mr. Rooney is going to wake up and find he's lost an election,'' Nelthropp said. ''I believe that will be this election.''

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