Last week I spoke to my sister in law in Nebraska and asked her how the casinos have helped them.

She told me that for the fist five years, they thought they were wonderful. Years later, they are seeing what has happened. People have lost their homes due to gambling problems, crime is way up, restaurant and stores have closed. She asks how the businesses could compete against a place that offers free food and drinks.

I can see Maine doing nothing but loosing with a casino. Minnesota has gone through the same thing. If you want a real honest look at what the long-term affects are, look at the little places that casinos have gone and have been there for years. People also need to look at how many little stores, shops and restaurant have been lost over the years.

This state needs to look at what is more important to us. Is it money or is it a way of life for our children and grandchildren to come?

Kelly McCormick, Auburn

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