"Even if you don't believe gambling is the cure to Port Huron's ills, H.R. 2176 is important to the city. It would sanction an agreement in which the Bay Mills Indian Community would drop its claim to 110 acres of land in the Upper Peninsula's Charlotte Beach in exchange for either 19.6 acres at Port Huron's Desmond Landing or 16.5 acres at the Thomas Edison Inn.

Gambling already exists across the St. Clair River in Pointe Edward and Sarnia. Like Detroit, which fought for its three casinos after Windsor, the city's Canadian neighbor, opened one, Port Huron deserves the chance for a casino to counter its Canadian competition.

Powerful opponents are fighting Port Huron's bid and another bill to establish a casino in Romulus. In addition to anti-gambling forces are lobbying efforts supporting the gaming interests in Nevada and Detroit that simply don't want more competition.

Port Huron deserves a fair shot. This week's victory is promising, but only one of many steps."

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Editorial: Port Huron's casino passes its first test (The Port Huron Times-Herald 2/16)