Here goes nothing!

So I am about to embark on my first major reporting project and I'm slightly terrified. I do not by an means consider myself a reporter and I have a ways to go before I would feel comfortable with that title. Nonetheless I am going to attack this project head on and it helps that I have a topic that is of interest to me. The casino issue was quite a big deal in my home town of Cincinnati. Most likely because there is a casino being built downtown. When I returned to Athens I was surprised to see that no one was really talking about it. So this is what I want to investigate. How big of a deal are these Casinos? Are they really going to be that beneficial, especially for the little guys like Athens Ohio?
So I have compiled a list of sources that I will potentially contact. These sources have the ability to be very valuable in my reporting this issue.

Suzi Hawk: President Ohio University College Republicans

-sh302506@ohio.edu

-Suzi can give me an idea of the Republican perspective (at least on campus) on the new casino legislation

Liz Clark: President Ohio University College Democrats

-dems@ohio.edu

-Liz could give me the Democratic perspective on the legislation. And by having both sides ( rep.and dem.) I will be able to gain a better vantage point on the political assertions of the legislation.

Shamila A. Jayasuriya: Professor of Economics

-jayasuri@ohio.edu

-With her specializations in emerging markets and financial economics, Professor Jayasuriya could provide information regarding the changes the casinos could potentially have on the Ohio economy- especially the small local communities like Athens.

Fr. Patrick E. Gaughan: Pastor St. Paul’s Church Athens Ohio

-stpaul@frognet.net

-Fr. Pat will be a great source for information regarding the catholic church- especially the catholic community in Athens- feels about Casinos and the morality concerning them.

Julie White: Political science professor

-whitej@ohio.edu

-After getting the perspective of the student political organizations, having the a more professional source with a perhaps more expert opinion will be valuable.

Denise Driehaus: State Representative

-district31@ohr.state.oh.us

- As the State Representative she could provide me with first hand explanation of the new casino legislation and the process to getting where we are today

Maria Almarez: Human Resources Hollywood Casino Aurora Indiana

-maria.almaraz@pngaming.com

-This source would be especially helpful in gaining insight into how the Indiana casinos are reacting to Ohio’s new legislation allowing casinos.

Eni Jim: Owner of Jim and Jacks on the River in Cincinnati Ohio

-ejim@cinci.rr.com

-As a business owner in Cincinnati (a location where a casino is going to be built) he can give his perspective on the changes he anticipates in this local community.

Michael Miraglia: General Manager of the Ohio University Inn

-gm@ouinn.com

-Even though there seem to be no plans to put a casino in Athens, with his expertise on hotel and hotel management Mr. Miraglia will be able to lend insight into how a casino could affect tourism and hotel numbers.

Paige Alost: Executive Director of Athens County Convention and Visitors Bureau

-(no email listed) 740-592-1819

-She could provide me with a great description of what tourism looks like in Athens- how it is successful and what could help to boost the economy.