EDITOR:

EDITOR:
Thank you Ronald Develin (letter to editor 5/10/01). You have put in to writing what many valley citizens have been talking about for quite some time. I, like Mr. Develin, travel to Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, Atlantic City, and Mountaineer to enjoy fun and games at casinos. I spend money for transportation, hotel rooms, food, gifts, as well as gambling. Why can't the valley get this money? The opponents of legalized gambling in the valley say it will bring in elements of crime. Give me a break! We in the valley are a national joke because of our crooked politicians. We have a high unemployment rate. Our crime statistics are appalling. We have schools and even municipalities going bankrupt at record speed. Legalized gambling can only bring money to the valley. People have been voting down the issue because the state of Ohio was going to save our schools with their legalized gambling - lottery. So where is this money? Another argument is that those who can't afford to gamble will spend money they don't have. Another joke. Do you think that the only people who play the lottery are those who have much money to spare? I think not. And what about the illegal numbers being played all over the valley? That's been going on since before my time. Were are those dollars going? Youngstown is planning a multi-million dollar convocation center. How can we even think about attracting events if we don't' have restaurants, taxis, shopping, and entertainment. As Mr. Devellin stated, legalized gambling will bring much needed jobs, taxes, and entertainment to Youngstown which will improve our image and our economic future. Wake up, Mahoning Valley!
JOYCE SOULES
Poland