STANTON : 2 Council Members Split on Card Clubs

In the second round of debate over the prospect of card clubs in the city, two councilmen painted radically contrasting pictures this week of what gambling might do to Stanton if voters approve a controversial June 8 ballot measure.

In a ballot statement filed earlier this week with the city clerk, Councilman Joe V. Harris argued that card clubs would raise money and allow a reduction or even repeal of the city’s 6% utility tax.

But Councilman Harry M. Dotson argued that card clubs would bring organized crime and ultimately could cost the city’s police force more money than they bring in. It was the second set of arguments filed by each side in the debate for inclusion on the ballot.

Ard Keuilian, a local businessman, proposed in March to turn his Indoor Swapmeet of Stanton into a card club modeled on the Bicycle Club in Bell Gardens. Patrons would bet against each other at poker and other card games.

Residents will be asked at the special June 8 election to open the city to card-club gambling, a move that would clear the way for city officials to consider applications from prospective clubs.

The measure does not ask residents to approve a particular site, and Keuilian has said he is uncertain where he would seek to put a club if voters approve the ballot measure.

“I’m looking at a couple of sites,” Keuilian said. “Once we have the license, we can put it (at the swap meet) or someplace else.”

In his statement, Dotson warned of a “string of gambling casinos,” since the ballot puts no limit on them. “If casinos become Stanton’s main source of income, what will happen to Stanton when card clubs fail?” Dotson asked.

Also signing the statement in favor of card clubs was Tony Lueken, past president of the Katella Mobile Home Park Assn.

Joining Dotson in opposition were Sammy A. Campos, pastor of La Hermosa Chapel, and city residents Lydia P. Medina, Martha S. Zuniga and Becky Esparza.

“I think our little city has enough problems as it is, without adding more to it,” Campos said. “We need to research it more.”

Campos said a group of residents will meet to draw up flyers against the card clubs and distribute them throughout the city.

Keuilian, meanwhile, has hired the Broadway Group, a Santa Ana publicity firm, to campaign in favor of the card clubs. He said card-club proponents will open a campaign headquarters April 21 at 7936 Cerritos Ave., near his swap meet. Staffed by volunteers and Broadway Group employees, the headquarters will be open to the public, Keuilian said.