Letter: Listen to the voters and build a casino

Once again, the residents of Cedar Rapids are privy to the wisdom of the gaming commission. Watch as they mull the advantages of a mini casino in the city

because the original proposal, approved by the people, was thought to be a detriment to other nearby gambling establishments.

Isn't this the definition of free enterprise? Why are casinos different from restaurants? In a one square mile area in Marion, I can identify at least seven restaurants. Perhaps we need a restaurant commission to limit our restaurant choices as well.

For simplicity, here are a plethora of reasons the original casino proposal should be funded: Smoking would be banned from this facility, an environment endorsed by the 85 percent of the populace who are non-smokers and employees forced to work in an unsafe environment. Want to finally fund and build that flood protection which benefits not only citizens, but the hundreds of businesses in the flood zone? Build it and they will come and fund it. Got jobs? The new casino would provide a myriad employment opportunities. Finally, the people had spoken and approved this business.

Why then are public servants allowed to disavow the wishes of voters? I infer this is the same logic used by election protesters. I don't like who won, so we should change it. Free enterprise? More like controlled enterprise.

Donna Myers

Marion