In a unanimous decision, the Ohio Supreme Court has stated that Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner may proceed in her attempt to identify donors of LetOhioVote.org, the group leading the charge to have slot machines at horse-racing tracks put to a vote. The Court stated Brunner’s issuing of subpoenas was not a judicial proceeding. Therefore, she did not overstep her authority. However, the Court also indicated that LetOhioVote.org could still take their case to common pleas court.

In other casino news:

1. Columbus will annex the potential casino site. This would be subject to passage of Issue 2 on May 4, which would move the site of the Columbus casino from the Arena District to a former Delphi plant on the City’s West Side. Columbus would also give Franklin Township $67 million over the next 50 years. The money would be spread out over much of the West Side, regardless of whether the property was in the city or township. In addition, Columbus would annex no township land over the same 50-year period. Businesses in the township would be permitted to impose a 2.5% income tax, subject to approval by property owners. Funds generated would be used primarily on economic development of the area.

2. It appears Cleveland, where casino support was the strongest, will be the last city to get a casino. The hang-up: securing the land. Originally scheduled to open late-2011 or early-2012, Dan Gilbert now states that date is most likely mid-2013.

3. And finally Summit County Council is seeking a 6-month moratorium to keep Internet cafes and storefront sweepstakes from opening in any of the county’s townships while they contemplate legislation to regulate these businesses. Proposed legislation mirrors that of Akron. Such businesses would be required to purchase an annual license and pay a fee on each machine. Council member Paula Prentice hopes some sort of legislation can be approved in the next month.