09:45 AM CDT on Sunday, October 9, 2005

Ben Lemoine / WWL-TV

Mayor Ray Nagin's plan to shock the economy back to life by expanding gambling in a large part of the CBD was a shellshock to many of his colleagues.

Nagin proposed allowing the city's largest hotels in a boundary between Poydras and Canal Streets from Claiborne Avenue to the river, to become full-fledged casinos.

Nagin has admitted that his idea would be controversial, but he said he thought it could jump start the economy.

"I'm out on a limb right now,” he said. “I didn't want any of my friends around me because this is usually controversial and I don't want them taking the hits. I'm going to take the hits on this one and see if we're ready to move forward."

And the hits were coming just hours after the announcement. Councilwoman Jackie Clarkson said Nagin hasn't explored all of the options.

"He's under the gun to make this city work, and God bless him,” she said. “I just think this is too fast and too unthought out."

Clarkson said she believes current gambling doesn't bring in new, outside money, but takes from locals, and that more casinos would strip the city of its culture and history. She and others say it would be too much like Las Vegas.

"Not only do we not want to be a Vegas in gambling, but we don't want their version of entertainment,” she said. “We have our own version of entertainment and our own local entertainers. And so why would we import anything Las Vegas? That's insane! I would not be in favor of it."

Clarkson was not alone in her concern.

"It just doesn't seem like it's the right solution for our city,” added Councilman Jay Batt. “I think we could really hurt our character of our city, our culture. The things that attract people to our city, we may damage that by trying to jumpstart the economy very quickly but maybe irresponsibly."

Nagin's other opposition could be the current gaming industry in the city. As of now, Harrah's entertainment is the only company allowed to operate a land-based casino here. So the city would have to go back to the negotiating table with them as well.

For now, he'll have to negotiate with state and local leaders to get some support for the idea. Some say it's going to be a tough sell, but they need a solution soon.