Questions have arisen about the wording of sections of Question 2. Dennis Bailey, of CasinosNo! has questioned the ability, or resolve, of the Legislature to modify the bill. As a state senator, I take exception to this comment.

Folks need not worry about either the Legislature’s ability or our resolve.

I have proudly served the Legislature as a representative and senator from Oxford County. I also sit on the Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee, which presides over gambling issues. We will take up Question 2 if it passes.

And I hope it does.

Last April, the early proponent of this referendum came before our committee and stated his willingness to amend it, if enacted. This is procedural lawmaking and not rocket science. In fact, all of the so-called imperfections in the legislation have Maine laws that already govern these areas of concern, which makes it a relatively simple fix.

For example: the 10-year moratorium can be removed and converted to existing law, which limits the proliferation of casino gambling in Maine.

When the racino passed in 2003, it was regarded by some as the worst-written referendum in Maine history. There was no structure to govern slot machines in Maine; the obstacles were enormous. But in contrast, it’s 100 times more daunting than what Question 2 would present.

Back then, my committee, industry leaders and the Legislature worked hard to produce LD 1820, Maine’s gambling laws. Because of our painstaking work in 2003, the issues surrounding Questions 2 can be corrected.

I have full confidence the job will get done in the best interests of our citizens.

CasinosNo! supporters are veteran lawmakers and political figures. Former senator Phil Harriman, president of CasinosNo! and one of its only six contributors in this election cycle, knows how the Legislature works and that it works. Bailey, the former press secretary for Gov. Angus King, knows this, too.

However CasinosNo! continues to promote doubt and fear.

Oxford County, like most of Maine, is in tough shape. Manufacturing jobs have dwindled and business closures are front-page headlines. The town of Oxford has been hit especially hard, Oxford and Burlington homes closing down. Wausau Paper in Jay has gone from operating seven days to operating five days on one of its paper machines.

Question 2 gives an opportunity for hope. But all opponents do is make it seem scary, and with this fear, cloud the issues.

What do the opponents offer for economic recovery?

Nothing. I’ve been listening, but I hear nothing.

This project isn’t the only economic answer for Oxford County or Maine, but the promise of a more than $100 million investment, 800 good-paying jobs, a $32 million payroll and approximately $50 million in new revenue for Maine without new taxes makes it part of an overall economic plan we in Oxford County are excited to have.

I’m hoping Maine citizens beyond Oxford County will not remove the opportunity of new jobs and income from hard-working families in our area. For the hundreds of thousands of people in New England who love to visit resort casinos, this would be another fun reason to visit Maine.

This would be a four-season destination resort. Fifty-four percent of its guests are estimated to come from outside Maine; this would provide more opportunities to increase our economy. These visitors would also want to visit our woods, mountains and rivers, and enjoy all the outdoor activities that generate money for our small businesses in this great state.

I am excited, our region is excited, and Maine should be excited.

And most important, I am promising my commitment as a member of the Legislature’s Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee that this referendum will reflect current Maine law, if it goes before us.

All the threats that we will not or cannot do our job are nothing more than fear-mongering by a lobbying group, CasinosNo!, that represents folks from away who don’t care if Oxford County gets revitalized or not – as long as they have their way.

For the town and county of Oxford, and our great state of Maine, I urge a “yes” vote on Question 2.

Sen. Bruce Bryant, D-Oxford County, lives in Dixfield.