In response to
”
County should do the economic analysis of a casino
”
(Free Lance, Dec 1.), I must express my disagreement.
The proposed casino is exempt from local taxes, fees and
assessments and will negatively impact local and regional
infrastructure and emergency response services including fire,
police and hospital services.
Dear Editor,
In response to “County should do the economic analysis of a casino” (Free Lance, Dec 1.), I must express my disagreement.
The proposed casino is exempt from local taxes, fees and assessments and will negatively impact local and regional infrastructure and emergency response services including fire, police and hospital services. The Monterey County Board of Supervisors recognizes these impacts and is voicing their opposition accordingly. Legitimate entertainment resort developments like San Juan Oaks can provide realistic economic analysis reports for their project because they abide by and work with local planning regulations while mitigating environmental impacts through taxes, fees and assessments the county uses to manage its infrastructure. The opposite is true of the proposed casino which is why its developers are eager to take advantage of this socially defective, vice-ridden, get-rich-quick scheme at the expense of tax payers in Santa Clara, San Benito, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.
The costs of road improvements, environmental compliance, water and wastewater conveyances, police, fire department and medical facilities must be accounted for when considering an economic analysis. Even if an economic analysis suggested positive revenue to San Benito County, the operation of a gambling casino is socially and morally bankrupt. Therefore, it is irrelevant and immaterial for the county to commission an economic analysis. The newly-elected board of supervisors should act on their judgement and principles to oppose the proposed casino in San Benito County and communicate their message effectively to Gov. Schwarzenegger.
Mike Smith, Hollister
