Indian Casino a Bad Gamble

* Your July 27 editorial regarding the misguided Juaneno Indians’ proposal to build a Las Vegas-style casino was right on target. But Bill Henrietta’s letter in the same edition was off base when he wrote that casinos could bring a “real survival plan for cities.”

This could not be further from the truth. The only real winners in the San Juan Capistrano situation would be the Las Vegas developers who are trying desperately to get a toehold in gambling interests here in Orange County.

San Juan Capistrano would get stuck with the bill for increased police and support services, wear and tear on their infrastructure and zero return from the money gambled at this casino.

It has been demonstrated all over the country that gambling ventures (outside of Las Vegas and Atlantic City, N.J.) are not the savior to tax coffers that some developers and politicians claim they will be. Instead, the cost of providing services outweighs the economic benefits. And, as you mentioned in your editorial, voters in Orange County have voiced their opinion more than once in opposition to bringing gambling interests here.

Greed is the key word here. And, in my eyes, the Native Americans are being exploited once again--this time by the marauders from Las Vegas. Society and the taxpayers will end up footing the bill if this proposal comes to pass.

TIM KEENAN

Cypress City Council Member

* Readers who think an Indian casino would help pay for public services should check with Palm Springs.

That one has only added to expenses. They contribute nothing for increased police costs, sewer expense, etc. You will see corporate gambling profits rise. Don’t be fooled. There are less expensive ways to help truly needy Indians and we should support them.

BILL CHASE

Mission Viejo