An artist’s rendering of what an expanded Arapahoe Park in Aurora might look like if Amendment 68 passes. The measure would allow owners of the current horseracing operation to add a casino, as shown in the upper left. (Denver Post file)
Supporters of Amendment 68 who believe this ballot initiative is about easy funding for our kids’ education are deluding themselves. Itap really about expanding gambling and gambling interests in Colorado while telling taxpayers they won’t have to pay more for K-12 education, to serve their own self-interest. “Let people who want to gamble, gamble,” goes the mantra. “We’ll have lower taxes, and our kids’ education will be paid for. Itap a win/win.”
This is neither good civics nor good citizenship. In fact, itap a big loser for everyone. In the name of our kids, we condone — even encourage — increased damage to individuals and communities from more legalized gambling. We sign on for uncertain financial support for Colorado schools. And, most of all, we shirk our civic responsibility to support ideas and solutions that will both set a good example for kids and make our state stronger, not weaker.
Vote “no” on 68!
Linda L. Giedl, Denver
This letter was published in the Oct. 8 edition.How can the opposition to turning the Arapahoe Park race track into a casino condemn out-of-state owners for dictating our process of getting things on the ballot? Aren’t the majority of casinos in Black Hawk owned by out-of-state corporations? When voters were asked to put casinos in Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek, wasn’t it their big bucks that supported the issue? The bottom line is these current casino owners don’t want competition to mess up the sweet deal they have and possibly lose area patrons to a closer location.
Dave Usechek, Parker
Backers of Amendment 68 say opening a casino would raise $114 million annually for K-12 education and charter schools statewide. If this is the primary reason to vote for the amendment, the supporters of the amendment and those who would gamble at the casino could contribute $335 million annually — the money they are going to lose in the casino — rather than just $114 million if they give directly to the schools. Each school district has a website that allows for the donation of funds that are tax-deductible to the donor.
Brian Sinn, Aurora
This letter was published in the Oct. 8 edition.
