Pay attention to upcoming casino decisions...

To the Editor:

As someone who grew up and went to school in the general Oxford County area and as someone who is planning to return to the area to live in one to two years, I have followed the casino issue with more than just a passing interest. I found the paper's recent editorial position opining that now is the time to focus on the casino's impact on the area going forward is what is important, not the yes versus no arguments, both well stated and to the point. During the next 12 months or so, the Oxford County citizens and municipal governments will have a unique opportunity to decide how to integrate the casino into their communities. These important decisions will define the relationship for years to come.

While I do not have specific recommendations for those making the decisions of how to integrate the casino, I do have a general observation I would like to share. I have had the opportunity to visit a number of casinos across the country in the last several years when attending trade shows, conventions, and workshops. With the exception of Las Vegas, I have never seen a community that shows any significant sign that the casino in that community has had a beneficial impact on the community in general. With the exception of the beneficial effects the jobs have on the individual jobholders, there is no measurable indication that the income and wealth enjoyed by the casino has trickled down to the community in general.

In the next several months, the citizens and municipal officials in the Oxford area will have the unique opportunity and immensely important responsibility to make decisions that will shape their communities for years to come. It will be important to integrate the casino in such a way that the Oxford community truly benefits to a greater extent than have those around other casinos. Choose carefully.

Stuart Field

Saratoga Springs, NY