Sandestin casino: Development gone haywire

LAUREN NEWELL: Sandestin casino: Development gone haywire

Speaking as a young person, I am extremely appalled at even the thought of establishing a resort casino in our town. What have we come to when we don’t recognize the real and potential hazards of a casino that could viciously wipe out the very social and economic fabric of our community?

This is not economic development. This is development gone haywire.

In fact, studies show there is no correlation to strong economic growth with respect to establishment of a casino. Casino revenue growth tends to stagnate after several years. Additionally, casinos do not lead to diversification of an area’s economy.

Contrary to what benefits may be proposed, we cannot ignore the fact that the costs outweigh the benefits.

More violent crime, more juvenile crime, more drug and alcohol-related crime, domestic violence, child abuse, suicide and organized crime are greatly linked to casinos. This includes upscale casinos. Are the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and Walton representatives of the state Department of Children and Families equipped to handle an even greater burden?

Finally, I look to Macau — the world’s gambling capital. Indeed, Macau’s economy has boomed, but growth there has become lopsided.

The Macau government is worried about the impact on young people. Rather than seeking higher education, local young people are getting jobs at casinos. There is less drive to compete and no spirit of entrepreneurship.

Do we want this for our young people in Walton County? Already, less than 25 percent of our high school graduates are pursuing higher education.

Not to mention that the trafficking of women into prostitution has become an epidemic, and there is a direct link between gambling and human trafficking. A 2010 report by the U.S. government says that women from mainland China, Mongolia, Russia and Southeast Asia fall prey to false advertisements for casino jobs.

Already in Walton County we have a problem with human trafficking, particularly as if affects those coming into our ports on supposed work schemes. I have personally met victims of sex trafficking here in Walton County. If we were to add a casino to the mix, it would only heighten the problem that we already have and threaten our fragile tourism industry.

So I ask you, members of the Sandestin Homeowners Association and officials of Walton County, do you really want the blood of human trafficking on your hands by strengthening this organized crime with the establishment of a casino?

In Las Vegas, I saw children passing out nude ads for sexual entertainment left and right outside the casinos. My heart broke for the children and I was disgusted. It is all too personal, because I am a victim of sexual assault outside a casino. Sexual crime is the darkest side of a casino.

Do you want your children and your children’s children to fall victim to the dark, perverse crimes and downfalls associated with casinos?

Think long term. It’s not worth the risk. Let’s instead invest in our young people and promote healthy entrepreneurship and diversified economic development for the good of the community.

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Lauren Newell is a resident of Sandestin.



Read more: http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/casino-46823-newell-establishing.html#ixzz1kD0IxWjl