VIDEO SLOTS News contacts

The Vindicator asked its News Contacts for their thoughts about placing video slot machines at racetracks to raise revenue for the state. Among the 75-some e-mails, those who support the idea numbered just a few more than those who don't:
Many years ago, before he became president, I remember hearing Ronald Reagan saying that the government should never be run (supported) by the weaknesses of its people. I agreed with that then, and still do.
Judy YorksHubbard
Most of the people from Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana County go to gamble at Mountaineer Park or Wheeling now. I see no reason why they shouldn't be at all tracks. We have to get with reality.
Bob Bakalik Youngstown
Enough is enough! People need to realize that the installation of video slots, gambling and the like, shrink the economies of the community while transferring many of the social costs to the gambler and his/her family. The proposed $500 million revenue is better left in the pockets of the Ohio citizens. Our communities, families and children are better off without another way to lose hard-earned income. Ohio does not need video slots ... anywhere!
Michael CrouseNiles
Illegal gambling here will never prevent Ohioans from playing in other states. They simply will continue to make West Virginia, Nevada, New Jersey and other states richer.
Marge Rambo
Leetonia
If the state needs more funds to operate, then it should be raised through taxes.
Leonard J. SainatoWarren
Isn't it strange that two days after the election the Republicans are talking about gambling and raising taxes after raising $9 million to slam Tim Hagan for discussing the same issues during the campaign. Well, I guess it's not strange, just hypocritical.
Tim O'Hara Youngstown
I think this would be a great idea. It would give people more options when they go to the track. I think the governor really needs to get a grip on this. It is the year 2002. It's not the '50s anymore. Our state would benefit greatly from it. They would rather raise our taxes then collect money from something that people are going to do anyway. Not to mention the people visiting from other states. Not only would our state benefit, but so would the small business owners in the area.
Norma RuessStruthers
I'm glad the governor is going to veto this bill. Although the proposed sites would be at horse racetracks, where there is gambling taking place already, it would be just a matter of time before we start seeing it everywhere else.
Lisa TisoneMcDonald
TThis could very well open the gate for the slots to appear in areas outside the racetracks. Gamblers have enough opportunities to gamble away their money at the racetracks and with the Ohio lottery. Generally, supporters have an inflated idea of how much revenue it would generate. The players would normally be the ones that could least afford it.
John FarcasHubbard
It seems like Ohio will be the last state to jump on the bandwagon. Count the Ohio license plates at Mountaineer, Windsor and Niagara. Let's keep the money -- and taxes -- home.
Jim ClearyCanfield
XIf you have an e-mail address and would like to become a Vindicator News Contact, let us know. Periodically we send e-mails asking our contacts for their views on news and issues. Please type "Contact" into the subject line and send us your e-mail address, name, the town where you live and a daytime telephone number for verification purposes to newscontacts@vindy.com.