Letter to the Editor (Park City Post)

The November 2004 Park City Post, which is supposed to be a community newsletter, was co-opted by supporters of Casino Gambling with no less than 3 articles-including one from Councilman David Robbins.

The stated deadline in the November issue of The Post for submitting articles is the 5th of the month. All 3 articles referenced a council meeting that took place on the 9th. Hmm. I have heard convoluted excuses/reasons as to how this could happen but the fact remains the cut-off date was the 5th and the meeting was on the 9th and for whatever reason only one side of the issue was accommodated. This is a community with a history of opposing gambling.

Based upon a past vote where the majority of registered voters voted to increase the penalty for gambling, it's entirely plausible that the majority of our citizens are opposed to gambling. Regardless, the community's best interests were not served in a fair and impartial manner no matter which side people may be on.

Perhaps one of the most appropriate comments made in this steam rolling operation was made in an email to a Councilman stating: In counsel [sic] meetings, small minorities of vocal opponent [sic] can make their presence appear greater than is warranted. This email was from a supporter of casino gambling. Ironic? Their fear about that small, vocal minority was well founded as it turns out on many different levels. It is also worth noting that even supporters of Casino Gambling have expressed the desire to have more information.

The rushed decision making deadline of the supporting council members was self-imposed. And unfortunately, the opportunity for citizens to engage in an informed and civil discourse before the vote on an issue with such far-reaching consequences for our city and surrounding area has been denied. The vote is over. Gambling supporters won. But for some reason they're still pushing for petitions of support from a public that has yet to hear the factual information that is available. What exactly is their fear-that a more in-depth look at the issue might sway their support the other way? Fortunately, the Casino Gambling steamroller was stopped by Representative Doug Mays until the full legislature convenes. My advice to those who aren't really sure or lack adequate information is to dig a little deeper and ask some questions. Then check out the answers that you receive. Park City stands to gain just a pittance in revenue compared with Sedgwick County and the City of Wichita, who would likely gain the majority of revenue, while Park City picks up the tab for infrastructure and starts paying the other very real and quantifiable costs of gambling. This kind of "progress" for Park City would put us on the leading edge of supporting Wichita.                .

Keith Thomas, 5044 Primrose Circle, Park City KS 67219

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