Despite loss, gambling here to stay

In this time of economic woes for residents of Washington County, the majority of Down East Mainers rallied together in the hopes of averting their demise, but to no avail. Their conquest for jobs, income stability and a foundation for a better future for their families was shot down again, primarily by residents of southern Maine.

Why would the majority of voters from York and Cumberland counties oppose economic prosperity in Washington County? What about the residents in Bangor? Do they want to monopolize the benefits of having a racino in their community? Are they afraid there isn’t enough to go around? Do they honestly think they can suppress residents of Washington County to have a bigger piece of the pie, metaphorically speaking? What right do they have to decide what is best for the rest of the state?

I’m sure Wednesday morning, when these racino opponents got up out of bed, they were patting themselves on the back for the good job they did in squelching the anticipation and prospect of a better future for Washington County. Those politicians sitting in the coffee shop in downtown Portland, in their suits and ties reading and discussing the racino’s downfall in the daily paper must be thinking what a good job they did. It is so indecorous to see their smug looks when they’re not advocating for what is right, but they’re opposing the racino for personal, political and financial gain. Gov. Baldacci hasn’t kept his promises either for economic opportunities and we don’t want the pennies in his pocket. For these individuals, their lifestyles and families will never be adversely affected.

But what about the people that wanted a chance to improve their life? So many families would have gotten out of bed Wednesday morning with part of their dreams and hopes squelched. Some not being able to buy their children new jackets this year for winter or better clothes because the local mill shut down and one or both parents are again looking for jobs to put food on the table and keep their homes warm through the harsh winter in Down East Maine. They can’t even think of the future and somehow putting a nest egg away for their children to go to college. They have to struggle for the day-to-day necessities and try to keep their children away from drugs which are so prevalent in Washington County.

Believe me, when I hear someone saying, “Oh, what we need is a factory,” I just want to gag. How many people want to work in a mediocre dead-end job on an assembly line – those days are in the past. We need to look toward the future.

You see, the people in Washington County are unique. They come from the old school – hardworking, forthright with ethics and integrity. Many derive their living from our natural resources – loggers, guides, craftsmen, fishermen and seasonal workers – but that isn’t sufficient. We need new opportunities for our children and grandchildren. We want a better lifestyle, a more promising financial foundation to build our future upon.

Gaming facilities are here to stay. Life is a gamble – we’ll try again!

Katherine Newell, wife of former Passamaquoddy tribal governor Robert Newell, lives in Indian Township.