Hawthorne City Council puts mayor's ballot initiative to legalize gambling on hold

HAWTHORNE, Calif. (KABC) -- A heated debate took place between the mayor of Hawthorne and city councilmembers over a proposal to legalize gambling in the city Tuesday night.

Mayor Chris Brown wants to put a measure on the November ballot that would allow the opening of a casino. He says it would bring hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars to the financially-strapped community.

"I think we have a great opportunity to move the city forward if the people want it," Brown said.

There are currently several other casinos in the Los Angeles area, including Commerce and Hawaiian Gardens.

Brown claims voters in his city have the power to supersede state law regarding casinos.

Councilmember Alex Vargas disagrees.

"We're not going to be able to supersede a statewide statute that exists, we can't do anything until 2020," Vargas said.

Residents who spoke out during Tuesday night's meeting say they don't want a casino in Hawthorne.

"Gambling creates other problems such as as prostitution, added crime and other riff raff," one opponent said.

Two councilmembers oppose the mayor's measure. Two others say they need more information.

In the end, the council decided to wait before voting on whether or not to take the issue to voters in the fall.