Annapolis, are you listening? I've spent time in Atlantic City, I've been to Nevada. They are lovely places to visit but I do not want to live there! Casino gambling would only detract from the delightful experiences that are already available for residents and tourists throughout Maryland. (I have to wonder if the casinos are eyeing Fort Ritchie or Rocky Gap as their yearned for "Western Maryland casino sites." Odds are they are.)
I don't have the financial backing of Vegas resorts to support a lobbyist taking you to lunch anywhere, but I can drive my old Volvo down to Annapolis and remind you of just how pleasant it is to spend days, nights or a lifetime in any historical, cultural or just plain fun spot across the state.
I can tell you how our out-of-state friends rave about Baltimore; how Prince George's County has a lot to offer and the treasures in Western Maryland have become family traditions. Economically, our state is quite marketable without introducing casino gambling to the area.
Atlantic City turned to legalized casinos as an effort to revitalize its boardwalks. I don't see the same motive for Maryland and I don't see any benefit in trying to compete with New Jersey casinos (though I'm certain the Nevada casino owners would love to get a bigger piece of the East Coast pie). Maryland has horse racing, Jersey and Nevada have their casinos.
This lobbyist, Mr. Wayson, does not seem to be representing Maryland interests who want to make their horse racing centers more attractive to customers and more competitive with other forms of spectator entertainment. He is representing out-of-state interests who aren't satisfied with potential earnings in New Jersey and Nevada.
To the resort owners and Wayson I want to say, this is the age of downsizing. You've got your turf, now stay on it. Do what you want to draw Marylanders to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or on cruises with casino gambling, but don't try to bring your industry here, promising permanent jobs and big investments!
On one hand, I want to believe that the article on the front page of Saturday's Herald-Mail was just another sensational clip off the wire to sell newspapers. On the other hand I don't want to find us with state-supported casinos coming to Maryland. I will do what I can as a citizen of the state to prevent Maryland casinos. If you agree, then remind your state representatives.
Paulette Nehemias Harvey
Cavetown
Beauty in everyone
To the editor:
I agree with Frances Moats' letter (Sept. 8) that beauty is all around us. The thing is do most people realize that?
With living in the United States and having traveled to not only some eastern and western states, but out of the country as well, I have observed such historic and beautiful places.
I'm a people person and love people, regardless of whether they are short, tall or of a different background than myself. I look for the inner beauty first. Of course I'm only human and physical attraction is important, too, but what comes first for me is intelligence and a sense of humor.
As a single woman I feel that if a man looks like Brad Pitt but has the personality of a dead fish compared to someone who doesn't look like Brad Pitt but makes you laugh, that is more stimulating and enticing than anything.
Like with a salad I like more than lettuce and I apply that to situations in life as well as with people. To me a salad is a bunch of vegetables, dressing and toppings compared to just a bowl of lettuce. Like with people if we set our sights on one specific thing we miss out on each other.
I think people need to realize not only how beautiful Mother Earth is but how beauty exists in each and all of us. Short, tall, fat or skinny we women and men out there need to get the message and perhaps start communicating with someone outside of our bowl of lettuce.
Helen Willis
Hagerstown
Bypass rejected
To the editor:
During the meeting in Washington Township. Pa., to consider the rezoning requests, the issue of a bypass around Waynesboro kept coming up.
While your reporter correctly stated that the rezoning requests showed this bypass on their various plans and that it was in the comprehensive plan, the issue of the bypass road around Waynesboro is dead.
This year it came to a head and, against the wishes of the citizens the township supervisors scheduled a meeting to approve its construction.
The Record Herald newspaper of Waynesboro ran a poll on the issue and the response was the largest they had ever received and overwhelmingly against the bypass.
The first order of business at the planned meeting was to reject the bypass, though the supervisors told the people they were wrong.
Only the power of the press saved the farms from the politicians and developers.
The way I see it, politicians and developers that force their agenda on an unwilling populace are not acting in the public interest.
Richard P. Evans
Waynesboro, Pa.
