Benefits to area make it appealing

I know a casino more than likely will not be placed in our community if the referendum passes and a license is granted, and that is of little concern to me.

However, I started thinking about the indirect benefits for Alburnett and the whole idea of a casino somewhere in Linn County became more appealing. The jobs figures look great and I am sure people in our community will be able to take advantage of those opportunities. But I also can imagine the benefits to rural areas from the tax revenues that go to support projects throughout the county.

I serve on the Alburnett City Council and I know we are all looking at this issue from how it will benefit local projects we might not have been able to consider before this opportunity came up. In the past, we have done a pretty good job of managing our matters within this county ourselves. I find it interesting, and troubling, that people from outside of Linn County are inserting themselves into what is our voting matter.

I encourage everyone in the rural areas of Linn County to remember that the casino is one more form of entertainment adding to what we already have. In addition, it will provide jobs for people throughout Linn County and improvements to our community services, whether you live in an urban or rural area. I will vote yes on March 5.

Jonathan

Lawrence

Alburnett