Illinois
Gaming Board Chairman Elzie
Higginbottom, who in the past has often
been criticized over the board's
decision to grant an unused casino
license to Rosemont, resigned his post
Friday, sighting that it was time to
return his attention back to his family
and business.
Higginbottom's term expired June 30,
as did that of another board member,
Violet Clark. Higginbottom, 62,
said he only stayed on to give Gov. Rod
Blagojevich time to find a replacement,
but with four small children at home,
two of whom he takes to school each
morning, he bowed out.
Higginbottom, who was named to the
board in July 2001 and has served as
chairman since September 2002, said he
never intended to seek reappointment. He
said criticism of the board over its
Rosemont decision didn't faze him,
either.
Higginbottom's resignation came
only one day after the governor said
that he would consider expanding
gambling to balance the state budget. It
is said that the state is definitely in
need of the millions of dollars that the
gaming industry will no doubt generate.
