Vote smart on casino issue

I am not a gambler. If a casino were to be built in the town I live in I would still not be a gambler. However, I am tired of the Maine that I love being last in just about every category.

I am maybe the only person in the state who had the chance to watch two of our poorer states before and after casinos were voted in. These states are Iowa, where I have family, and Missouri, which I have traveled through many times.

I heard the same arguments from the naysayers in those states that I am hearing now in my own state. Please don’t take my word for what I am about to tell you. Research the information for yourself and make up your own mind and vote smart.

You are being deceived by the anti-casino crowd. I will start with the most laughable of its arguments. The people of the opposition are saying that the state will not be a partner in this business. Do you know of any business in Maine or any business that would come to Maine if they had to share their profits with the state? Do the paper companies share their profits with the state? I don’t think so.

“Crime, drunken driving and gambling addiction will increase dramatically.” None of the above have happened in the above states. When people are making a living wage they don’t need to commit crimes. Gamblers don’t drink. This is a fact. The state is already involved in so many gambling games that if there were going to be an addiction problem it would already have happened.

Then there is the misstatement that law enforcement will not have jurisdiction on casino property. If there is a crime committed on casino property the appropriate agency of the law will investigate the crime. Period. The half truth is that no, the local law won’t be able to harass the patrons or owners any time they get bored with patrolling and want to make their job a little more exciting.

Research all of the above and if you wish to bring prosperity to your state vote yes on the casino issue. If you do, you will see new business – both related and unrelated to the casinos – come to Maine. Maybe then we can lift our heads high and no longer settle for being the lowest-paying, highest-taxing state in the nation. This won’t happen if the state wants a percentage of the profits of every business coming into the state.

Richard Tozier is a resident of Solon.