Volume CXXXIII, Number 7 October 31, 2003

Not a sure bet

Despite the promises of pro-casino groups, there is something amiss with a proposal that has drawn the criticism of the 2003-10-31 and former Maine governors, the Maine Medical Association, Maine Tourism Association, Maine Council of Churches, and Maine Merchants Association, among other influential individuals and organizations.

The biggest problem with the proposed casino is that it has the qualities of a quick fix, and Maine's struggling economy needs and deserves a considered, balanced response rather than a sensationalized scheme. A future plan for economic revitalization may include a casino, but such a project should be incorporated into a larger, less divisive framework that seeks to energize Maine while respecting and preserving its unique reputation as "the way life should be."

Many Bowdoin students have been drawn to Maine because of its woodsy charm and natural beauty. While it is indeed a stretch to claim that a resort complex in Sanford will dramatically alter the Maine landscape, the effect on Maine's character and appeal to students and tourists alike cannot be discounted. Sanford is not the only struggling town in the state, and the hasty legalization of casino gambling will undoubtedly invite speculation about where the next casino would go. We cannot allow Falmouth to become Foxwoods and Machias to become Mohegan Sun.

It would be foolish to deny the prospective benefits of a carefully planned casino resort: jobs, property tax relief, money for education, increased tourism, and so on. But at what cost? The debate over the proposed casino has led to a blitz of TV and radio ads costing over $10 million and formed sharp division among residents. One wonders if there is enough of a commitment from Maine residents as a whole to sustain such a massive project at this time. One wonders if the potential problems associated with casinos-the long-term impact on families, communities, and character-are being dismissed in an effort by some to push through an ill-advised plan. Given the potential for these complications, we feel that casinos are a gamble Maine should not make.

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