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Letters to the editor

Make an informed decision


To the Editor:

At the Nov. 14 county commission meeting our commissioners, prior to Mr. Knight's presentation heard facts and documented statistics from Glenn Thompson director of Stand Up for Kansas. Facts that prove casino gambling will cost more than it will generate for local governments along with economic devastation for the local economy.

Glenn's presentation also calmly and accurately built a case that clearly showed it is highly unlikely a casino would be placed in Marion County.

If the state constitution were changed to allow a state-run casino (something not yet done by any state) it would most likely be located in a densely populated area (like Sedgwick County) to insure maximum exposure and participation.

This would result in the highest potential revenues for the State of Kansas. The job of the state legislature is to look out for the well being of the State of Kansas.

Isn't it logical to assume that if the state constitution was changed to allow this proposal the location would be where it would have the greatest potential to succeed and produce maximum revenue for the state?

I issued this challenge to the commissioners on Oct. 31 and now extend it to those who are considering the evidence of "casino gambling" before they cast their vote:

Where is the "model casino community" that can be studied or viewed to see if the "proposed riches" will actually come through as planned?

When Commissioner Dallke posed this question I believe I heard Mr. Knight offer "Foxwood's crown jewel" located in Ledyard, Conn. Could this be the same Ledyard, Conn., whose police department in 2001, received $600,000 of casino tax revenue but faced $2.2 million dollars of casino related law enforcement expenses? (Park City study 1/9/05)

The annual number of calls to the Ledyard police department jumped from 4,000 to 16,700 within five years of the opening of the Foxwoods Casino. (University of Illinois & Georgia joint study)

"Citizens for a Prosperous Marion County!" intends to provide facts and evidence to the public so voters can make an informed decision. We encourage and support economic development. We are not opposed to change. We encourage change that will preserve and enhance our quality of life.

All change comes with a price! Make sure you know what the true price will be before you vote! Listen to the facts and evidence. You are invited to attend the information meeting at 7 p.m. Sunday at Marion Senior Center.

Citizens for a Prosperous Marion County!

Dale Nuss chairman

We are blessed


To the Editor:

After attending Marion High School during the "Ken Forsyth" era, the expectations for MHS performances are high. Having the privilege of experiencing Beverly Hoch as Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" causes one to raise the bar. Great things were happening during those years where music was the focus. MHS was notorious all over the state as a leader in music education.

My heart was full of pride while attending the performance of "Music Man" this past weekend. We are blessed to have a group of such talented performers and effective faculty. It also was special to see younger students included in the production. (Young Nelson could rival Ron Howard, for sure!) The County Seat has been selling tickets for the local high school productions for a few years now. It is such a privilege to be part of the excitement, but also to support our school in such a way.

However, in serving the school, we have been blessed by experiencing the support of the community. We see friends coming in to purchase tickets that we haven't seen in awhile. We also get to see those faces that are most familiar to us in a different way. Thank you MHS students, faculty, and all of USD #408 for providing such positive experiences for our young people.

Thank you community for filling those seats and showing support for our young people in the community.

Jeannie Wildin

Marion

corrections

and clarifications

Kerry Sandwell of Madison was omitted from the list of people who attended the retirement of his brother, M/Sgt. Jay Sandwell Nov. 4 at Oklahoma City, Okla.

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