As one who is personally against gambling, my decision is not an easy one.

This time, I am supporting a “yes” vote on Question 1. The investors in this project are businesspeople from Maine who, I believe, sincerely want to change the economic climate in the Oxford Hills area.

If we had other viable choices to spark the local economy with thousands of jobs, I would not be for this one.

The four-season resort will create jobs in an area that is devastated with high unemployment.

Taking a ride down Route 26, I see the closed modular-home factories. Farther north, I see all the empty storefronts and closed factories northward toward the New Hampshire border. Check out the full parking lot at the office of the Department of Health and Human Services — people applying for benefits and food stamps.

Many of those who are opposed to the casino in Oxford are doing so for selfish reasons, such as Bangor’s Hollywood Slots, operated by Penn National Gaming.

I hope others will join me in support of this venture by local Maine capitalists. They are trying to bring some economic relief to an area that desperately needs it.

Dennis Arsenault, South Paris