A lot of negative items are appearing in the paper regarding the
building of a casino. Maybe we should look outside the box and look
at some positive things.
Dear Editor,
A lot of negative items are appearing in the paper regarding the building of a casino. Maybe we should look outside the box and look at some positive things.
Let’s get past the process of debates and threats and get to the construction of the building: Deals have been made and both the county and the owners are going to move forward. A general contractor has been hired and since a concession was made he will hire local subcontractors who are local contractors – electricians, plumbers, laborers and so on – people from the community working. Materials will be purchased from local companies. More people hired to keep the flow on materials moving. Once the building is close to completion, they will need personnel – dealers, waiters, payroll clerks and so on.
If I’m not mistaken, they have dealer schools and other gaming schools to teach people. That was another concession agreed upon. Other concessions that should be dealt with: A water treatment plant would be needed, or upgrade the Hollister plant , widen Highway 25, build the sheriff’s sub station along with hiring more deputies. Yes, the crime rate may rise, but the security at a casino is excellent. They would possibly have more cameras than Fort Knox.
The bottom line is more work for South Valley residents and tax revenue to San Benito County.
It could be a showcase for the South Valley.
People keep saying that traffic congestion on Highway 25 would be terrible. Maybe for the first few weeks or months when everyone wants to see and be at the casino. But we should remember that this is not a football game where 60,000 people show up at 1pm and leave at 5pm. After a while it will be normal traffic once the novelty wears off.
My advice to the San Benito County Board of Supervisors is look at the big picture.
You have a gold mine, and if you play your cards right, this can only help San Benito County and the city of Hollister.
Ray Celeste, Gilroy
