Maine 'Casino": Wouldn't serve the community

Wouldn't serve the community

I am proud that the delegates of the Oxford-Union Association of the United Church of Christ voted recently to oppose the referendum on a casino in Oxford County. The Oxford Clergy Association brought the concerns about increased gambling to the church gathering.

Specifically, the delegates said a casino will bring increased traffic congestion, further disruption in the quality of life, increased crime and increased gambling addiction. Gambling is not consistent with the Christian ethos of honest pay for honest work. The false promise of unearned wealth is not merely harmless entertainment — it undermines the foundation of healthy lives and a healthy community.

In addition, the Maine Legislature, the governor of Maine and Maine voters in a 2002 referendum have already rejected gambling proposals by the Passamaquoddy tribe and the Penobscot Nation.

Although the delegates fully recognize the pressing need for jobs in Oxford County, this kind of employment doesn’t serve the community well or embody the values the United Church of Christ traditionally stands for.

We hope people will think honestly about the type of jobs and other problems a casino would bring to the town of Oxford.

The churches took a stand to recommend a "no" vote on Question 1.

Jane Chandler, Bryant Pond

for the Oxford-Union Association United Church of Christ