Your editorial ("Mr. Cuomo's big blind bet," May 8) asks many of the right questions.
I would add: What harm do casinos do to the communities where they are located?
Will the casinos compensate all the hard work and investment of existing businesses that have been the true engines of economic development when the casino puts them out of business by using their vast fortunes to create an unfair playing field?
How is a community to organize against a casino proponent prepared to spend millions to convince a community?
Where is the money for the community opposition that does not want their lives invaded by hoards of gamblers with little concern for traffic, light pollution, noise pollution, increased crime and corruption?
Our politicians may drool over the prospect of gambling money, but what message does it send to our youth and others of the false possibility of instant wealth?
The governor could provide moral leadership by rejecting the expansion of casino gambling. Many religious institutions stand against this threat to the quality of our lives. Why doesn't he?
Real economic development does not grow out of a craps table. Our forefathers banned casino gambling in our constitution for good reason. We should leave well enough alone.
Lanny E. Walter
Saugerties