At the ballot box: Calais official urges ‘yes’ vote on racino

Calais official urges ‘yes’ vote on racino
To the editor:
    As you know, on November 6, 2007 the citizens of Maine will vote on Question 1 “An Act to Authorize a Tribal Commercial Track and Slot Machines in Washington County. Section 21 of this measure requires that one percent of the total gross slot machine income to be forwarded to the municipality in which the slot machines are located and the City of Calais was selected by the Passamaquoddy Tribe to be the host municipality.
    The Calais City Council voted unanimously on August 16, 2007 to support and allow a racino with slot machines and high-stakes bingo within the Calais city limits. That vote was re-affirmed on October 25, 2007 at a regular council meeting.
    The City of Calais welcomes the racino and the potential revenue. We will receive payments that the Maine Legislature estimates to be approximately $165,000 a year as well as tax dollars from new jobs and spending at our local restaurants, shops and hotels. In addition, the City of Calais will receive revenue from real estate, personal property, water and sewer taxes. I am writing this letter to clarify how we intend to use the potential revenue.
    Our constituents expect their city officials to devote significant tax dollars to protect their property, family and businesses. That is why the City of Calais will use a portion of the revenue allocated under Question 1 for public safety. How much? That is a decision that the City of Calais will make once the racino is operational and accurate revenue projections are available. Like most local governments, we consider public safety a top priority, and we are proud of our fire, police and other public safety officers that serve our community each day. Because every new day brings fresh challenges for these officers, we must better equip, train and prepare them to meet these 21st century challenges.
    The City of Calais has many needs ranging from improving schools to roads and sewers and it would be shortsighted for us not to consider using some of the potential revenue for these programs and services as well.
    We can only hope that the voters of Maine hear our message and support Question 1 on November 6.
Diane Barnes
Calais city manager