Casino offers economic benefits

We have an opportunity to bring more economic well-being to our community, along with another venue for entertainment, that we all can enjoy by voting yes on March 5.

Why is it then every time I see or hear an advertisement against the casino referendum, I feel as though someone else does not want the citizens of Linn County to benefit from that opportunity? Perhaps the answer to that question is true. A group heavily funding the “no vote” clearly doesn't want us to enjoy the economic benefits of a new casino.

I've known Steve Gray for more than 15 years and he is a wonderful father, a generous philanthropist to our community, and a well-principled man who personally has invested in numerous businesses in our town that have helped expand our employment base. I'm proud to say I'm a friend of Steve. I'm proud to say I'm an investor in the Cedar Rapids Development Group that can increase employment in Cedar Rapids. And I'm proud to say I'm a voting citizen of Linn County.

Please look at what is being said and understand why it's being said. Join me in voting yes.

Doug Olson

Cedar Rapids