...latest schemes to fill budget gaps reveal the abject desperation....

Letter: Casinos and traffic fines = desperation

February 5, 2015

 

During a meeting of the Carle Place Civic Association on Jan. 21, 2015, people stand in opposition to the proposed building of an OTB gaming parlor at the vacant Fortunoff site in Westbury. Photo Credit: Newsday / Thomas A. Ferrara

 

 

 

The latest schemes to fill budget gaps reveal the abject desperation of our legislators to scare up money without inconveniencing their benefactors: the 1 percent ["OTB relents on casino," News, Feb. 1].

In what rational plan are video slot machines and automated traffic fines a benefit to our citizens? These schemes simply siphon money from our middle class while offering nothing in return -- not education, not culture, not tourism, not infrastructure improvement. And then officials are shocked when we protest.

 

At least Las Vegas casinos give you dinner and a show before emptying your wallet and leaving you in an alley!

Legislators, if you are really this bereft of ideas, would you please step down and let people with more imagination and integrity take a crack at it?

Daryl Altman, Lynbrook


http://www.newsday.com/opinion/letters/letter-casinos-and-traffic-fines-desperation-1.9909183