Top-notch destinations possible in Iowa

One issue not mentioned in the 2010 political campaign was long-term economic development.

Instead of 17 small casinos in Iowa, what are the prospects of establishing a major destination point like Las Vegas with numerous entertainment venues, hotels and tourist attractions? The idea is not that far-fetched.

A casino at Moline runs television advertisements in this market saying that it is Las Vegas without the flight. With planning, an influx of capital and support during the beginning years, a top-notch spot could develop.

There has been talk about Iowa becoming a literature state. You need to have a market. If you establish a major destination point like Branson, Mo., you could have playhouses to help beginning playwrights start off-broadway productions.

The destination could be patterned after the hotel at Kirkwood Community College. Several education programs could be conducted at the destination point.

We talk about incubators in the business world. We can have incubators in the literature world. It can be financed with casino money. It could be an I-JOBS project. Remember, the United Nations has designated Iowa City as a city of literature.

Al Swegle

Cedar Rapids