Editorial: Passamaquoddy racino a bad bet

Thursday, October 18, 2007  

"Across the United States, there are 36 racinos, which combine racetracks and casinos or slot machine parlors, now in operation. If the Passamaquoddy Tribe and its Downeast backers have their way, there soon will be 37. Maine voters will decide on Tuesday, Nov. 6, whether they’ll allow a Maine tribe — the Passamaquoddy — to run a harness racing track with slot machines and high-stakes beano games in Washington County.

This newspaper has been a steadfast and consistent opponent of state-sanctioned gambling in Maine. And while we respect the views of those who regard the racino proposal as the best — and perhaps only — way to restore hope and bring economic prosperity for both Washington County and the Passamaquoddy Tribe, we believe the proposal contained in Question 1 of the Nov. 6 ballot should be rejected.

One can’t help but sympathize, at least to a degree, with Washington County’s longstanding distinction of being the poorest county, with the highest unemployment rate and the lowest educational attainment, in the state. And we agree, as has been stated by Sen. Kevin Raye, who represents the county, that “there is a history of task forces, studies and proposals that have gone nowhere.”

But it is shameful in the extreme to assert that both the county and the Passamaquoddy Tribe are doomed to more of the same unless Maine voters throw the doors wide open to a venture that generates its revenues by preying on the weaknesses or false expectations of patrons."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Gambling: It’s Not a Good Bet (The Ellsworth American 10/18)