Letters to the editor
To the Editor:
This letter is in response to three points made by state Representative Don Dahl in a letter to the editor in your Oct. 26 issue.
First, Rep. Dahl refers to a "gambling casino" in his remarks. I would like to point out that this enterprise also includes a 300-room hotel, convention center, several restaurants, day-care center, water park, and other attractions. Although he states his letter was not to discuss the morality or lack thereof in regards to gambling, his failure to acknowledge any of these other attractions cause me to doubt this.
The second point he makes is that Kansas is not a referendum and initiative state, which means any such action is non-binding. I do not disagree. However, I feel obligated to ask why is Kansas a non-referendum or initiative state? We are a "republic" wherein citizens elect representatives to speak for them in government affairs. A referendum or initiative is a valuable tool for citizens to be polled as to their feelings on sensitive issues. One would think that elected officials would welcome such a system so they can fairly represent their constituents rather than their own personal views. Rep. Dahl goes on to state if the referendum passed it does not mean anything. I take exception to that statement; it certainly does mean something to the voters, if not their representatives.
Point number three concerns his statement concerning Wyandotte County and is related to point two above. So much for the concept of the Republic form of government.
Rep. Dahl, the Marion County Commission does not have a line item for "betting money" in the treasury. Speaking for myself the commission is aware of how expensive it is to have a referendum and does not take this lightly. We are trying to make the best possible decision and fairly represent the desires of our citizens. Although I welcome comments both pro and con on this issue, I have a problem with a person in your position making the comments you did concerning Bob Knight. He has done nothing illegal, and is representing himself and others he is associated with. It is up to the citizens of this county to make a decision based on the merit of arguments on both sides of this issue, not on accusation and inflammatory rhetoric.
Daniel F. Holub
Marion
To the Editor:
I don't know if a casino would be the answer, but it is worth looking into.
I would like to know why Marion County people are so afraid of change. We are changing everyday and it isn't good, right now.
You tell me what would bring in more tax dollars — a new facility resort, casino, with hopefully a large number of employees, shops, etc. Thus extra tax revenue that wouldn't have to come out of existing pockets.
I own a business here in Marion, and it might hurt or close it all entirely.
But people, it is a war here for our survival, and as in any war, deaths have to happen it's just a fact. But in the bigger picture a resort, casino would generate far more tax dollars, property or otherwise, than any existing businesses it might close.
I feel with a little thought and foresight we all can survive and thrive with the extra traffic of visitors it would generate, let alone the extra incomes from the workers, builders, etc., to get the facility up and running.
Come on. What would be better, 60 acres of prime ground, being taxed or a resort, casino on the 60 acres? Having a casino might draw others to our community and bring in even more businesses.
To me it makes much more sense to build a new home on some scruffy homestead even if it's not 40 acres. More tax dollars for our county. The casino is the same to me. Let alone all the jobs it would provide. Hey, maybe all those people who drive out of county for jobs would get them here, and we would truly be in-county shoppers.
I go once a year to a casino and I haven't thought the persons working there were lowlife at all. Haven't seen any prostitutes either, working the parking lot. But then I am there to be robbed by the one-armed bandit.
With luck maybe we could get a movie theatre in there too
Or we can continue on the same and keep dying.
This opinion is strictly mine.
Linda Meier
Owner, Wagon Wheel Express
To The Editor:
A political activist, I am not. But I have had an interesting weekend learning a little about political processes and I am still along way from understanding it.
A week ago Monday, I went with several others to the Marion County Commission meeting in hopes of bringing facts to light and influencing them to rescind the referendum calling for a vote (opinion poll) on casinos in Marion County. I left the meeting not knowing if we had been heard.
There is a zero percent chance of a casino coming to Marion County. The commissioners are willing to spend $10,000 to $15,000, whatever it takes, for this opinion poll that is meaningless. The only thing we will be doing is helping the casino promoters, the Mashantucket Pequot tribe of Connecticut (the investor) and the Iowa tribe of Kansas, further their case for a casino in Sedgwick County. This would be another Indian-owned casino.
If we are so strapped for cash as Commissioner Holub said, then why spend money for nothing? I know the commissioners feel a lot of pressure to "do something" to bolster the economy in our communities. I'm glad the commissioners are looking at ideas, but we need to get the whole story when we do. It scares me when we start grasping at straws, instead of doing a little research to make an informed decision. Is Mr. Knight's proposal truly a viable one for Marion County?
I'm wondering why the commissioners feel compelled to push forward with the vote after hearing the information and solid advice given by our state representative. It appears that we are experiencing government waste first-hand at the local level. I have no problem with a vote if the casino promoter pays for it.
What is the hurry? If it is so necessary to get a vote of the people, why not put this issue on the ballot during the normal election cycle in November 2006. The cost would be minimal.
Linden Thiessen
Hillsboro
corrections
and clarifications
According to Jim Herzet, county road and bridge superintendent, Tom Alstrom requested a cost analysis for county road work Monday at the Marion County Commission meeting and not prior to the meeting as reported.
