Springfield aldermen have a lot on their plate this week as they're set to debate controversial topics, one of which is video gambling in the city's bars and restaurants.
The state will soon begin awarding licenses after first approving video gambling three years ago to help pay for its capital construction program.
Anti-gambling advocates claim issues, namely problem gambling, will increase once the machines are operational. But Ward 1 Alderman Frank Edwards doesn't buy it, and says he'll vote for it.
Springfield will get five percent of machine revenues which city officials say will go toward ailing infrastructure.
The council will also consider a ban on tanning beds for kids under 18. Some Springfield parents say they need the government's help to deter their children from dangerous habits, but some Springfield aldermen aren't buying it.
The city council is set to debate an ordinance to prohibit children younger than 18 from using commercial tanning beds. A handful of people including doctors, dermatologists and melanoma survivors spoke last week in favor of the proposal.
But as Ward 1 Alderman Frank Edwards told Alex Degman on the WTAX Weekend Newswatch... it's not the government's job to be the parent.
Concerned parents say the ordinance would be a tool in the arsenal to help tell their kids no... they say their teens are sneaky, deceptive and lie about what they're doing. Edwards says... tough. You need to be able to say no to your kids.
The city council is expected to vote on the ordinance this week.
(Posted 7-16-2012 at 9:09am, Alex Degman)