How many times have we said in Maine, it’s a shame we can’t attract more business with good paying jobs?

LD 1203, the citizens’ initiative, would allow racinos in Biddeford and Calais. The Biddeford project would create 800 construction jobs and 500 jobs to operate the facility, while preserving Maine’s proud harness racing industry and saving thousands of related jobs that support the equine industry.

The project, approved by statewide referendum in 2003, includes an integrated entertainment complex, resort hotel, harness racetrack and slot.

The tribal racino in Calais, previously approved by the legislature, the Calais City Council and by the residents of Washington County by a 70-30 margin, would create hundreds of additional jobs in construction and operations, while attracting tourists from the population centers of western New Brunswick.

State government estimates Maine’s general fund would receive $33 million annually, with an additional $5 million going to Maine college scholarships. The City of Biddeford would receive an estimated $5 million  annually and the City of Calais would receive millions as well.

Although Mainers voted for two fully-integrated racinos in 2003, the law needs two corrections to allow these projects.

This paper’s editorial board mistakenly suggests that the Legislature has always submitted such changes to statewide referendum.

Instead, the Legislature has taken the lead in improving Maine’s racino and other gaming laws, repealing and replacing the law in 2004 to enhance regulatory provisions, increase taxes and allow a temporary detached hybrid racino in Bangor.

In 2007, the law was amended to allow the permanent slot facility in Bangor to be detached to accommodate the city’s waterfront development plans, but making clear that future racinos should be fully integrated.

The 2007 Legislature also approved overwhelmingly the Washington County racino. Only a gubernatorial veto sent the project to statewide referendum. The current legislature is working to amend the casino law to facilitate the proposed Oxford County casino.

Ocean Properties, the Downs’ partner, is a world-class destination resort company. Founded by Bangor native Tom Walsh, the firm operates over 100 destinations worldwide, including some of Maine’s great landmarks such as the Samoset in Rockland and resorts in Bar Harbor.

The Passamaquoddy Tribe, which would develop the Calais facility, is already Washington County’s largest employer and proposes a beautiful new racing venue immediately adjacent to the new $55 million border crossing.

At the same, Washington County has the highest unemployment rate at 12.7 percent and jobs is what that region of the state needs now.

The Legislature should pass LD 1203 and bring the projects forward promptly. Forcing a referendum would mean delay; this week, Biddeford City Manager John Bubier estimated $40 million in cash flow will be lost from that delay alone.

Crystal Canney is the president of Canney Communications and the spokesperson for the Biddeford Downs Project and LD 1203.