Slot machines - these are not new to the VFWs, American Legions, Elks lodges, Moose lodges and AMVets throughout the state. I know for a fact the American Legion Post 28 in Oak Orchard has had machines for over 10 years. The Department of Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Lewis Schrillo said they just became aware of this after a year of investigation. He goes on further to say they cannot turn their back on this illegal activity, but waited until the elections were over. Doesn't this mean the governor's office allowed illegal activity to go until a prudent time? Does this mean the governor's office and entire staff think everyone lives under a rock?
Brian Selender said he was upset that people may think this is all tied together with the elections. Well, sorry for your feelings; bringing this up after the elections seems a little strange. With the donations in, campaigns over, promised votes cast, it's time to reignite the fire? Selender goes on further to say that the governor's office was not contacted before the letter to remove the machines was sent out. I would sure like to see a copy of this letter to see if the governor's name was on it. With a letter of this magnitude, I sure would want to know if my name was on it.
I feel strongly that the three existing casinos had a lot to do with this as they did with the proposed casino in Millsboro that our governor put in the closet. I really thought this would have brought much-needed jobs and income to area businesses and a new source of tax revenue to the state. However, they did receive a reduction in license fees and taxes on revenues and are showing a profit for 2012. I wonder if the people living in lower Sussex County could get these people to lobby for lower lot leases and control of lot leases.
I found out the VFW Post 28 has already cancelled some functions because of lost revenue and being forced to lay off staff. I am sure the other organizations are doing the same. All of the state charities will suffer from this as the contributions from nonprofit organizations dry up. How about the veterans who receive help in transportation to and from area hospitals? I guess the state will provide this service. I have heard rumors that several of the affected organizations will be forced to close. That's a nice gift for the new year.
Living in lower Sussex county and being a member of VFW Post 28 and the Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge in Lewes, I know that many of the area seniors enjoy going to their organizations to enjoy a good meal, play the slots and spend some time socializing with friends without driving 35 to 40 miles. Further, some of the seniors I know would not be able to enjoy these outings if it wasn't for their friends and the close proximity of the organizations.
What I think this all boils down to is that the state wants to regulate this. They want to decide who can have slot machines, how many they can have and then put a tax on the revenue. This would make the present casino owners unhappy, but that's politics. I wonder if bar bingo that takes place in area bars is gambling. You buy cards in hopes of receiving a profit. How about the casino nights that take place all over the state? Is this not gambling? Being a sponsor of this legislation, especially in lower Sussex County, is a guarantee that you will not be elected again. Contrary to popular belief - seniors do not forget!
Lewis Newman
Millsboro
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