I have heard many of the anti-casino ads, and I have questions about them. One ad says the casino will pay no income tax to the state. Does Wal-Mart, Kmart, Prompto Oil or any other major business pay taxes based on income earned?

The tourism groups are upset because the casino will take workers from them. What is so wrong about having a full-time job that offers benefits like health insurance and offers a living wage for a change.

Question: What is meant by “our fair share” anyway? Do all companies that do business in Maine have to pay their “fair share” above and beyond the state and local taxes that are required? Will the casino earn a profit? I sure hope so. That is what they are in business for. That’s no different than any other business.

Are those people who are anti-casino the same people who line up and buy lottery tickets hoping to hit the big one? And, if they are, then are they a bit hypocritical?

I love the scenic Maine and all it has to offer. But try paying a mortgage with pine needles. How can we, as a state, attract people and money if we cannot offer them a Maine that is growing? And how can we keep our young people here if we offer them only pine trees and lakes as a source of enjoyment? Not everyone hunts or fishes.

Joseph H. Mailey, Auburn

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