Letter: No to gambling (Printed Nov. 2, 2007)
Editor:
What happens in Washington County stays in Washington County, right? Absolutely not. Proponents of racinos and casinos are heading for southern Maine, and Scarborough – again.
Besides, neither the money gained nor the negative social effects will stay in the county. And everyone will pay. Although 95 percent of the patrons of slots in Bangor are Maine residents, they are also the ones that are losing their money. It is the out of state interests that are the winners. Expanding gambling in any county in Maine is a huge mistake that trades for money, one’s interest in helping people. It does not create economic growth for the people that need it.
I hope you will join me in voting NO on referendum Question No. 1 in the interest of the tribes, the county, and the state of Maine.
A racino is no way to generate tax revenues no matter where who you are, or where you live. Instead, gambling generates huge debts and family neglect for those that suffer from gambling disorders. I know because my own family has suffered. The effects of gambling on a community are not debatable. Gambling addiction is a serious disorder. And it’s been estimated that 30 to 50 percent of all gambling revenues come from people suffering from gambling disorders. Gambling increases crime, drunk driving, and creates other social costs in host communities. I think most people know this. Furthermore, Question No. 1 asks you to approve a racino without knowing where it will be located and which community will bear the burden.
Remember the beautiful signs with horses and fields in 2003? Racino proponents marketed to those who would conserve land for horses. Well, they’re at it again. Don’t be fooled this year by the lure of helping the county or by the soft looking cursive lettered billboards noticeably lacking in dollar signs or slots. They’ve got a plan, and we’re a part of it.
In a very Dr. Seuss-like way, I am urging the well educated, informed voters in Scarborough and Greater Portland to send a clear, unambiguous message to the proponents of racinos and gambling that we don’t want it here or there…we don’t want it anywhere.
Suzanne Foley-Ferguson
Scarborough
What happens in Washington County stays in Washington County, right? Absolutely not. Proponents of racinos and casinos are heading for southern Maine, and Scarborough – again.
Besides, neither the money gained nor the negative social effects will stay in the county. And everyone will pay. Although 95 percent of the patrons of slots in Bangor are Maine residents, they are also the ones that are losing their money. It is the out of state interests that are the winners. Expanding gambling in any county in Maine is a huge mistake that trades for money, one’s interest in helping people. It does not create economic growth for the people that need it.
I hope you will join me in voting NO on referendum Question No. 1 in the interest of the tribes, the county, and the state of Maine.
A racino is no way to generate tax revenues no matter where who you are, or where you live. Instead, gambling generates huge debts and family neglect for those that suffer from gambling disorders. I know because my own family has suffered. The effects of gambling on a community are not debatable. Gambling addiction is a serious disorder. And it’s been estimated that 30 to 50 percent of all gambling revenues come from people suffering from gambling disorders. Gambling increases crime, drunk driving, and creates other social costs in host communities. I think most people know this. Furthermore, Question No. 1 asks you to approve a racino without knowing where it will be located and which community will bear the burden.
Remember the beautiful signs with horses and fields in 2003? Racino proponents marketed to those who would conserve land for horses. Well, they’re at it again. Don’t be fooled this year by the lure of helping the county or by the soft looking cursive lettered billboards noticeably lacking in dollar signs or slots. They’ve got a plan, and we’re a part of it.
In a very Dr. Seuss-like way, I am urging the well educated, informed voters in Scarborough and Greater Portland to send a clear, unambiguous message to the proponents of racinos and gambling that we don’t want it here or there…we don’t want it anywhere.
Suzanne Foley-Ferguson
Scarborough
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