Once again we have special interests clamoring for a racino, this time in Washington County. And, once again, we are hearing the same old, tired arguments in favor of it: jobs, revenue to the state’s general fund to aid education, and tourism.

Yes, other states may be “stealing” our citizens’ money when these people go to Foxwoods and beyond, but we will become a poorer state if we allow this gambling into our state. Poorer because we will be teaching our children that chance, not hard work, is the only sure thing in life through which one gains success; poorer because we will mortgage our future to special interests that do not really care about our children’s education, only their selfish pockets; and poorer because gambling is a tourist trap that always takes more than it can ever give.

Vote no on Question 1.

Mark Wood, Poland