(ANGOLA) - Public questions over Steuben County's casino referendum are growing louder, and one county commissioner is now responding to criticism from the opposition.
The Herald Republican reports Steuben County Commissioner Wil Howard challenged statements made by Theresa Steele, who is building a constituency against the casino referendum on the November ballot. Steele is a board member of the Coalition for a Better Steuben County.
Howard testified during legislative Public Policy Hearings on House Bill 1038 gaming matters on December 4, 2025.
He told the Herald Republican his testimony was not for or against casino gaming. Howard said it was about getting Steuben County added to the referendum so county residents could vote on the issue.
Steele says state and local officials have been "withholding information" and funneling only positive information through the Steuben County Tourism Bureau's "Where Fun Wins" website.
On allegations of corruption, Howard told the newspaper, "Anyone can state opinion as fact, whether it is or not. If she believes that is the case, she needs to turn us in to the proper authorities and have us investigated. We have not seen that yet because it is not happening."
Related Fremont Meeting
A proposal for a resort that could include a casino development at Walters Lake, west of Fremont, is on the agenda for the Tuesday Fremont Plan Commission meeting.
The presentation will be a continuation of one made in May by real estate developer Mark Hansbarger.
The meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Fremont Town Hall, 205 North Tolford Street.