LAST WEEK: SHOULD GEORGIA VOTERS DECIDE ON CASINO GAMBLING?

With the State Legislature in session, many issues will be decided by representatives. Those in favor of casino gambling have been working for years to get the issue of casino gambling before the citizenry. We asked readers if the issue should be decided by referendum. Here’s what some had to say:

■ One of the worst decisions ever made by the State of Georgia was to initiate the state lottery, a tax upon fools, that opened the door to collusion between the state and criminal elements in defrauding citizens. It promised great revenues to be used for education and has been a colossal fraud upon Georgia taxpayers. Now comes the criminal element to again propose that the state collude with it to entrap willing dupes into losing their money. Will Georgia awaken to the fact that allowing casinos will further corrupt and defraud its populace. Fool us once shame on you politicians, fool us twice shame on Georgia’s citizens. — James P. Wesberry Jr., former senator 37th District of Georgia,1963-67 ■ The voters of Georgia should decide on casino gambling. —

Jessie Spivey

■ Yes, we the voters should have the vote on allowing gambling. I am in complete support of casino gambling. — Peter Muntan

■ Yes, we should put this to the voters of Georgia. We are losing tax dollars to other states surrounding Georgia. Many of our friends and neighbors drive to Murray NC right over the GA border a few times a year to play the machines at NC casinos. We also drive to south Alabama casino too. With our trade show industry, entertainment film industry this is a sure bet to win. Think of all the shows in Vegas. It is not just about gambling. — Michael

Esposito, Kennesaw

■ I vote “yes.” The voters should make the decision on whether or not to allow gambling in Georgia. — Sandra Wallbaum

■ Sometimes it’s the responsibility of legislatures to determine what’s in the best long term interests of the larger community they serve, and on the issue of casino gambling, the Georga Legislature has to step up to the plate and decide that no part of Atlanta, or any other community in the State of Georgia, should ever look like Las Vegas. The long term consequences far outweigh any financial benefits promised by the gambling lobby.

Jerry Talansky

■ As well paid, aggressive lobbyists push for casinos in Georgia, polls indicate that some voters like the idea. But the average citizen may not realize what they are asking for. I’ve lived in Georgia for 31 years, but grew up on the island where Atlantic City is located. Because of casinos, the once “Queen of Resorts” turned into a war zone with run down abandoned buildings. Most local businesses shut down. An island where schools and full time residents flourished, became an island of predominately summer homes, with a few schools remaining. Former residents escaped to the Mainland to avoid the crime, obvious prostitution, and falling property values. Statistically, only 5 percent of gamblers are wealthy. Many are poor and

uneducated. Gambling addiction is a huge problem, and lives ruined as a result. Casinos aren’t concerned about those lives, because The House ALWAYS wins! Casinos in Georgia – a losing bet. — Cyndy

Hartman, Athens

■ The Georgia capitol has been besieged by casino lobbyists for several years. In fact, there are more casino lobbyists than senators. They seek a constitutional amendment that would allow the voters to decide whether Georgia should have casinos. The gambling industry can then pour hundreds of thousands of dollars into billboards and television ads glamorizing “destination resorts” and touting money for education. If the opposing side had the same amount of money to promote the facts, the harmful aspects of gambling would be told. Research shows that gambling and casinos are associated with higher crime rates, lower property values, gambling addictions, bankruptcy, domestic violence and child abuse. These are the “unglamorous” facts that the gaming industry ignores for the sake of profit. Our elected officials are there to study what is best for the citizens of the state and only pass what is best, not pass that duty off to voters. Otherwise, they are endorsing casino gambling. — Judy Craft, Peachtree Corners