Macon County Ready For Victoryland To Reopen

Mayor Johnny Ford says that’s thousands of jobs that have just disappeared. 

 

“We are prepared to go into federal court if we have to. In other words, we are not going to stop until Victoryland is fully restored, reopened, and the people can get their jobs back,” said Ford.

 

Attorney General Luther Strange is appealing the decision that ruled in favor of Victoryland. That means owner Milton McGregor could have to wait more than a month and a half to get his money and machines back. 

 

That has Macon County School Board President Theodore Samuel pretty upset. 

 

“A republican judge ruled in our favor who was appointed by who? The Alabama Supreme Court, who are all republicans. They ruled in our favor and we still can’t operate. You all know as well as I know, that’s discrimination,” said Samuel.

 

He says 25 thousand dollars a year went to education from Victoryland proceeds. With budget cuts statewide, that money never came back into the community. 

 

“All that was cut. That’s unfair. The citizens voted for what they wanted to support education in Macon County. The state of Alabama took that away from us, but they didn’t send us any more money,” said Samuel.

 

Money also went to benefit charities around the area. After last week’s ruling, people in Macon County just want to see the doors of the casino open again.