Questions about the Casino

Honeslty, the RFP is has yet to make up it’s mind about the Casino issue. We could all use economic development, we just aren’t sure this is the way. What we are sure of is that the residents of our community should be aware of both sides of the issue. In that spirit, we wanted to share part of an editorial from the Portland Press Herald. They make some interesting points.

One more time around for Maine and slots
The latest resort casino proposal offers Maine voters even more reasons to say no.

...WORTHY CAUSES
Carey argues that a luxury hotel and casino near Maine's ski mountains would not only attract money from away, but would also capture some of the instate gambling money that is being spent elsewhere.

The Oxford County plan is pitched as economic development for a region hit hard by mill downsizing and closures. In addition to creating jobs and attracting business, the casino would devote 39 percent of its gross to worthy state projects, such as repaying Maine students' college loans, developing an east-west highway and making health care more affordable.
What the law doesn't make clear, however, is that most of what's left over will go to a national gambling company that will take its profits out of state. And since most of the gross can be expected to come from Maine residents, that will be money that is not spent at other local businesses.

CORE QUESTIONS

Before Maine voters get to the core question of whether gambling can be good economic development, they will run up against flaws in the Oxford County proposal that should be enough to scare them away from this project.

When you read the bill, there is a lot not to like.

For instance, the referendum would lower the legal age for gambling from 21 to 19. It would also completely wipe out the legal limit on the total number of slot machines in the state. If passed into law, the referendum would prevent the development of any competing facility in the future, giving the Oxford County group a near monopoly on Maine gambling.

Because it is citizen-intiated, no changes could be made to the proposal until after it is enacted.

Money and talent would be better focused on sustainable efforts to attract tourists and create jobs in Maine, without draining state resources….

For the complete article, click here