The Indian tribes should invest their assets in ventures that will benefit the tribe, however, I don’t think casinos, in the long run, will best serve the tribes or the community. Having lived many years in Connecticut, with family living in the area near Foxwoods, we saw a very negative aspect to the casino.

Most jobs are low paying jobs. Rents are limited and expensive. Home purchase is very expensive. This creates a large housing problem. Multiple families in one apartment is not uncommon. Crime is much more prevalent than it was before they had a casino. Traffic is a major problem. Addiction and its accompanying problems adversely affect families and the community. Instead of creating new businesses outside the casino, it tended to force longtime small businesses out of business.

For those who enjoy gambling within their means, it is a fun place to go, but the cost to the community and to people adversely affected by gambling can be devastating.

Faith Bornstein, New Sharon

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