60% of local voters approve of a casino

Here is my question, why would anyone prevent Cedar Rapids from having a casino when we have a capitalist economic system and it is a private (not state-owned) business, along with the fact that over 60% of our local population voted to allow a casino? Seems to me that the existing casinos (or special interest groups) think a Cedar Rapids casino will take business from them, which they probably will do on some small scale. But it will cause them to think how they can be more consumer-oriented and compete just like any other business would have to if a competitor came to town.

Some say it will bring problems to our community and attract the wrong kind of people. Well I am not a casino person, but I have been in them and can honestly say I feel safe and have not seen those bad characters they speak of.

Others say it will encourage more people to gamble who should not be gambling. That may be true, but everyone still is responsible for their own behavior and to seek help if needed. I hope the gaming regulators listen to those 60%.

Frank Kintzle

Cedar Rapids