In the debate surrounding the proposal to build a casino on
Highway 25 near the border with Santa Clara County, there is a
crucial question that must be answered. How much of the money
generated by a casino would wind up in local cash registers?
In the debate surrounding the proposal to build a casino on Highway 25 near the border with Santa Clara County, there is a crucial question that must be answered. How much of the money generated by a casino would wind up in local cash registers?
The five-member Miwok Tribe just inked a deal to create a report that will detail the economic impact of the proposed casino on the area. But members of Casinos Represent a Poor Solution raise a valid criticism when they cast doubt on whether the privately-funded report will be unbiased.
The public would be better served if the tribe gave the money it will spend on the report to San Benito County, which can use it to hire a consulting firm to conduct an impartial analysis.
There are important questions to be answered by an economic analysis of the proposed casino – too important to be tainted by doubt.
The proposed location on Highway 25 puts the casino near U.S. 101 raises one question. The location makes sense for the investors who want easy access for customers coming from San Jose, the Central Valley and the Monterey Bay. But how far will those customers venture into San Benito County?
Given the chance to pop into a casino right off the highway, how many people will go the extra mile afterwards and drive all the way into Hollister or San Juan Bautista? How many gamblers will stay in local hotels? How many will eat in local restaurants?
Or, conversely, how many people will stay ensconced in the casino hotel, only leaving when it’s time to head home? And how many are likely to stay in Gilroy, which is on the way from San Jose and has many more hotel rooms than Hollister?
The county is the right agency to commission a report answering those questions and to paint a clear picture of the impact the proposal will have on our towns and businesses. Some are arguing that a casino will spur economic development in San Benito County, and, in a county that has suffered through years of economic development neglect, that is an argument that will strike a cord. So, ensuring an impartial analysis should be a priority.
To respond to this editorial or comment on this issue, please send or bring letters to Editor, The Hollister Free Lance, 350 Sixth St., Hollister, Calif. 95023 or e-mail to [email protected].
