WHILE YOUR March 4 editorial "Unnecessary hype on casinos" is correct in saying that "passage of a casino bill opens a new economic development front in Massachusetts," I suggest that, from my perspective as an urban planner, this front will not be a good one.
Economic development occurs when new money enters the state and circulates through the economy in a multiplier effect. Casinos are designed to take money out of circulation and out of the state. They have a negative economic effect because they absorb money that would otherwise be spent elsewhere. A dollar spent at a casino is a dollar not spent at a local retail store. The appalling blight surrounding the several casinos at Atlantic City is a graphic testament to this.
If a developer approached the state with an economic development proposal that would have a negative impact on the economy, create few jobs, reduce lottery revenues, increase addiction, result in the loss of homes, increase crime and suicide, and, not least, increase political corruption, we would hardly take the developer seriously. Let's put this proposal where it belongs: in the circular file.
ALFRED J. LIMA
Fall River
The writer is former planning director for the cities of New Bedford and Marlborough and the towns of Concord and Franklin.
DERRICK JACKSON'S March 4 column "The ills casinos bring" mischaracterizes Atlantic City and the gaming industry.
New Jersey's casino industry is an economic engine for the entire state. Our industry generates billions of dollars in capital investment and tax revenues, employs more than 60,000 people who earn good salaries with benefits, and purchases $2.2 billion annually in goods and services from New Jersey businesses.
The tax revenues we generate benefit New Jersey's senior and disabled citizens through a prescription drug assistance program. Millions of dollars of our tax revenues have funded the redevelopment of blighted areas throughout the state. In Atlantic City alone this investment has spurred hundreds of millions in housing and other strategic projects that are helping to make the city an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family.
Atlantic City is a markedly better place today than it was 30 years ago when the first casino opened. However, the best is yet to come, with billions of dollars of capital investment poised to be invested in the city that will have a similar positive multiplier effect both locally and throughout the state.
JOSEPH A. CORBO JR.
President
Casino Association of New Jersey
Atlantic City
