Why is is that, in the past, everyone locally knew that a casino was a bad idea? Now, some have been convinced otherwise.

The pro-casino people promise many good-paying jobs if the casino gets in. They have studied the situation and know the area needs good-paying jobs.

I have friends living near Ledyard, Conn., where there is a casino nearby. Those friends say they were given the same story of good-paying jobs, before their casino came to town. Truth be known, the jobs that are available there are menial and for low pay — mostly cleaning people, janitorial duty, parking attendants … that sort of thing.

The Oxford County casino, as envisioned, has several restaurants as well as hotel accommodations. If that is, indeed, the case, what happens to the local restaurants, motels and bed and breakfast spots?

I say the casino plan, for here, is only to take our money. Everyone knows that no one ever beats the house in the long run.

A casino is like a really large gorilla on your back, and there is no way to get rid of it once it is there.

People need to think about this now, before it is too late.

I will surely vote against the casino.

Merle Glines, South Paris