Should Woodstock change raffle ordinance?

Should the City of Woodstock change its raffle ordinance?

Lately a number of raffles have been planned in Woodstock that have been put together by individuals for the benefit of individuals, not for the overall public good. Laws generally require that raffles, including 50/50s, be conducted by not-for-profit organizations. So you see them associated with Turning Point, service clubs, schools, etc.

A raffle to raise money for the missing Beth Bentley's family was planned, and the City stopped it. After that, raffles were planned and conducted for a child who is ill. Now a raffle is planned to raise money for R.B. McAllister, a Harding Real Estate agent, who became ill recently.

The City seems to be taking no action on raffles since the Bentley fundraiser. Recently, I learned that the City may be contemplating a change in the raffle ordinance. In response to my inquiry about enforcement of the existing raffle ordinance, I received the following message from the City: "The City Administration is preparing an Ordinance to amend the City Code to lift the restriction that raffles be limited to not-for-profits. When the ordinance is drafted it will be placed on the next Council agenda. In the interim, the City is monitoring the situation."

Current laws mean that raffles can only be conducted for the public good. You can't conduct a raffle for an individual or a family.

If the City lifts the restriction, then apparently anyone might be able to conduct a raffle for any purpose. Is that a wise move? Will such a move open the door for scams that raise money but aren't controlled as to how the Residents should pay close attention to the agenda for City Council meetings and watch for this item to appear on the agenda.

When it does, go to City Hall or to the Woodstock Library 2-3 days before the City Council meeting. Go to the librarian on the first floor at the desk near the computers and ask for the City Council packet. Read the proposed ordinance; then communicate with the City Council members and attend the City Council meeting to tell the Council how you want them to vote.