Hampshire for almost 50 years. I am Chairman of the Board of
Selectmen in Atkinson, owner of a small strip mall in Salem, New
Hampshire which was previously a service station run by my brother and
I for over 30 years. I have been involved in Harness Racing for
over 30 years and many of both types of horse racing individuals
traded in my garage.
I pay $26,000. in property taxes to the Town of Salem, my small
business taxes went from $200. in 2007 to $12,000. in 2008 and
services to those that need it the most are being cut! Voluntary
revenue from Expanded Gambling is the only kind of tax needed to
boost State Revenues.........and am for expanded gambling, for
reviving horse racing of both types at the oldest racetrack in the
country and hope that a bill includes a stakes program that will
bring back horse breeding programs to this state. Anyone who
believes that it will in any way negatively affect our natural
resourses in New Hampshire please contact me with examples of
how.......because it is my opinion that it will promote tourism so
that more people will enjoy them.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to come to this forum with our
thoughts,
Fred J. Childs, Jr.
Atkinson, New Hampshire