read the postings, I get the distinct impression that many people believe it is
the "goose that lays the golden eggs". Frankly, I believe it will change the
very nature of our state, and not for the better. However, here goes.
I am not in favor of bringing gambling to my community, BUT I will listen to
the wishes of the people.
1. I live in the Conway area. The possible benefit would be to the businesses
directly involved with tourism...the hotels, motels, inns in our community.
Depending upon the type of gaming that would be opened (slots), the restaurants
might also be advantaged. However, I worry about the winter sports businesses
and the summer people. Would they find themselves "out in the cold"?
Depending upon what kind of gaming that would come to the area, would have an
affect on the number of jobs it might bring. Slots bring very few jobs, and
those that are added are not high paying. Once whatever infrastructure needs
are done, there is not much to keep the slots running. Today's slots don't pay
off in coin, but rather credit slips (should you win) and those slips are paid
off at a machine. No person actually gets a job. Casino gaming is another
story. That might bring jobs to a community, but then here in the Valley we
have a problem with housing. Though the jobs in a casino are somewhat better
paid (dealers, pit bosses) it might not be enough to live on here.
2. Right now we have a problem with traffic during the high seasons. It has
been 25+ years since the "bypass" has been on the agenda. What will happen to
the residents should this gambling come to the Conway area without adequate
roads?
The concept of "easy money" is a problem. I worry about the effect
gambling will have on families who are now just holding on. What about a
town's welfare budget, should its residents be inflicted with "gambling
addiction"?
3. I would feel hypocritical to say that if the people of Salem want gambling,
then my caution about keeping it out of north country, should apply. However,
if the people of Berlin or other areas to the north of Conway elect to have
gambling, that has a direct effect upon my community. There still would be the
problem with poor roads, easy access to gambling (addiction), and tourist money
taken from this community.
4. My other concern is about who runs this action. With out of staters
running the businesses, the majority of the money leaves the state anyway.
Will the "fees" be enough? This is a state that lives and breathes on "fees".
We refuse to tax for our needs. What happens when we find that the amounts
collected do not meet our expectations or needs? If fees are raised, will the
managers comply?
Just some thoughts...
Dorothy S.