I was drawn to the Branson area attracted by its wholesomeness, escaping the effects of gambling on my quality of life. I lived in a dying Iowa town that also thought gambling was the answer. Let me tell you what gambling really does:
Jobs – The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has recommended the removal of smoke from casinos. The sign of an addicted personality is more important than the health of their workers. (www.personalmd.com/a1998032308.shtml)
Small Business – With argument of new jobs created by a casino no one is mentioning the jobs lost from the cannibilization of other small business.(http://www.hotspots.hawaii.com/SBH_on_H4/SBNews2-96-3.html)
Problem Gamblers- The National Gambling Impact Study (NGISC.gov) states 7% of the Atlantic City population were problem gamblers. Problem gamblers are seeking to fill a void…throw that into a population of retirees out of the job market.
Crime – In 2000, after a record 550 million was drained out of the local Iowa economy, the crime rate hit 229, (homefair.com) higher than any New York City burrough. The dominant crimes: robberies, rapes and motor vehicle thefts. The cost of extra county attorneys, jails and police being passed on to the taxpayer.
I urge you to go to http://www.nonpareilonline.com/ and read about the crime, meth epidemic, rising taxes, citizen unrest and then call or write your legislator.
Connie Koch
Lampe, MO