A June 28 editorial advocating a racino for Washington County contains errors of fact and ignores other important factors.

The editorial’s claim that voters endorsed racetrack casinos statewide in the 2003 referendum is simply false. Voters were asked to approve “a limited number of slot machines at existing racetracks, where gambling already occurs.” It is a leap to suggest that when voters narrowly approved slots for Bangor Raceway, they were also approving them at any town where developers want to build a new racetrack. In no way did voters approve the wholesale expansion of slots anywhere in Maine, as the editorial suggested.

Instead of criticism, Gov. Baldacci should be congratulated for standing up to labor, the harness racing industry, tribes and other gambling interests that lobbied our legislators to support this bill. Baldacci has pledged to veto because he understands the economic and social damage caused by slot machines, a fact the editorial ignored. In fact, the editorial doesn’t even use the words “slot machine.”

But, of course, slots are the real issue. The harness racing that accompanies a racino is just window dressing for the real attraction – thousands of highly addictive slots that suck money from people who cannot afford it.

Baldacci is not only saving Maine from another divisive campaign, he also is saving Washington County from plunging even deeper into addiction, poverty and despair. He understands that slots are as much about economic development as prostitution is to marriage counseling.

He deserves our support.

Corey Hascall, Portland

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