To the editor:

There are many negative effects of gamblingÝthat will ultimately effect a community. Since the strength and success of a community is due toÝitsÝstrength in resilient healthyÝfamilies. We should not allow anything intoÝour communities that will break down this healthyÝfamily structure.

Some of the negative effects of gambling:ÝMoney isÝused for gambling and not for family living, church, andÝcharities.ÝCommunity and stateÝmust use our taxÝmoneyÝthat could be used for moreÝconstructive proactive uses to insteadÝtreat compulsive gamblers.

More law enforcement will be needed. Gambling produces /increases other types of crime. Time isÝspent away from family, friends and other positive activities. There is a loss of trust between individuals, family members, friends when gambling becomes a problem. Produces a need for gambling moneyÝleading to debt and crime. Doesnít this sound like someone with a drug, orÝalcohol habit?ÝYes, this Racino proposal in Columbus TownshipÝcould bring more money and jobs but lets wisely chose another way as choosing a company similar to Medtronics whichÝwill haveÝthe possibility of bringing professional, community supportive jobs that will make healthy (monetary)Ýcontributions to individuals, family and communities. I would rather have my children working as a scientist, an engineer, or in customer service in a company similar to 3M or General Mills then one that supports the breakdown of the community, and producing addictions, mistrust and crime.

Deborah Wiersma
Forest Lake

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