[Clueless]

Redhead 18 -

I think you're spinning out of control in trying to make your point. Let's look at this rationally.

First - No, your question wasn't fully answered on where the casino complex would be built. Not ignored - just not answered. From what I've learned from the gaming supporters, it probably won't be in the Wright Park area. They seem to need too much land. A final site isn't selected.

Second - I have to remind again that this is a private project. You wouldn't have a right to vote on where I want to build my house (assuming zoning is correct of course) or a restaurant, or a hotel, or a store or much of anything else. If it's an approved use for that land, I-you-all of us, have a right to go broke and the public doesn't have a vote. That sounds kind of cold, but we've got to get that clear before we go on. I'm sure you wouldn't invite a public vote on every aspect of your business - no one would.

Third - There's no mystery about Boot Hill Gaming funding the development of a casino complex. They can borrow the money or raise it through investors. Terms of the loan or capital injection is between them and the lender/provider. Again, not our business at all. You don't invite the public to go to the bank with you when you want a loan - no one would.

Fourth - Whoever builds the casino will have to buy or acquire or lease land from someone. The seller will probably be a private owner. But, it could be a municipality too. However, a municipality has to already own the land and they can't use rights of eminent domain to acquire the land for a casino. The gaming developer cannot use any form of sales tax, etc in buying the land or building the casino and no tax abatements. That's as clear as it can be. If you and Gaming both wanted to buy the same land (whether municipal or private) I would expect the seller to want the highest value, as it should be. That rule of market value shouldn't be converted into some idea of conspiracy.

Summary - our vote June 26th is on the question "Shall the Kansas Lottery be authorized to operate a lottery gaming facility in Ford County?" Yes or No. Respectfully, we all have opinions about where the complex should be built, design, size etc - and I'm sure the developer is interested learning what we think, but that's not the question on the ballot.

If we say Yes - this facility will create 700+ new jobs, pay over $3 Million in direct and property tax payments to the City and County each year and effectively lower everyone of our real property taxes. I read last week that their property tax alone would equal 700 new $100,000 houses. That's a lot of new revenue to the City and County! The casino operator will pay millions more to the State and into problem gaming fund for social programming. From what I can see, it will be a good business and re-develop our tourist and convention opportunities and allow existing and new businesses to grow and prosper.

Why do you think that this is a smokey picture?