In 2003, Maine voters faced a choice: allow a hotel and casino in Bangor, and bet that the resultant economic activity would provide a much-needed boost in jobs and tax revenue throughout the region, or vote against the project based on groundless fear-mongering against the project and its backer, gaming and commercial real estate entrepreneur Shawn Scott.
They voted to give Scott a chance and usher the gaming industry into Maine.
The rest is history — the Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway Bangor is a massive success, providing jobs, taxes and tourism to the Bangor region, as well as throughout the state.
Seven years later, after the success in Bangor, voters were asked to consider another gaming center, this time not so far from Lewiston, in Oxford. Again, voters said yes — and we have been enjoying the economic gains from that facility ever since.
This time, it wasn’t just theoretical for Lewiston. We have seen firsthand the increase in visitors, the boost to customers for local businesses, and the job opportunities our residents have enjoyed. This is on top of the millions of dollars that the Bangor and Oxford facilities have poured into statewide education, health care, and veterans’ programs.
We know that gaming venues can provide huge boosts to the regional and statewide economies. We saw it from afar in Bangor and then right in our backyard in Oxford.
So now, as Question 1 appears on the ballot this fall and asks voters to once again consider a gaming and entertainment venue — this time in York County — why wouldn’t we provide York County with the same regional benefits we, ourselves, have enjoyed, as well as increase the funding for statewide programs that Lewiston and York County both count on?
Why wouldn’t we grow an industry that has been so successful in Maine — and remain competitive as neighboring Massachusetts approaches completion on a massive resort casino along Boston Harbor?
The numbers behind a York County gaming and entertainment venue are compelling. According to leading economic forecasting firm Evans, Carroll and Associates, it represents a $175 million investment in the state of Maine, with 2,767 construction jobs being created as it is built. Once completed, the facility will permanently employ 2,165 people, boosting household incomes by $183.2 million and Maine tax revenues by $248.1 million during the first five years of operation.
Those tax revenues will be required by law to be applied to key Maine priorities such as K-12 education (more than $11 million in the first year), higher education (more than $3 million in the first year), statewide property tax relief (more than $3 million in the first year), and elder care programs (more than $1 million in the first year).
Outside of the direct benefits, Maine will see an influx of tourism to York County that will generate all kinds of secondary gains, especially as this proposed facility will offer more than casino gaming. It is being proposed as a venue for concerts, shows, conferences and more — the sorts of activities which encourage people to shop, dine and enjoy the natural scenery Maine has to offer.
It is a beautiful venue with a Maine-focused aesthetic that suits the region. And we can expect one of the gaming industry’s premier brands will partner with the project’s backers — to create yet another first-class gaming experience.
Shawn Scott initiated Maine’s entry into the gaming business and the entire state has benefited from new jobs, new opportunity and more than $500 million in new tax revenues since the casino in Bangor began operating.
Let’s do in York County what casino gaming has done in Bangor and Oxford. Let’s provide additional funding for statewide priorities such as education, veterans and tax relief that Maine needs. Let’s create economic growth that will benefit Lewiston and communities in every corner of the state.
It can be done with a “yes” on Question 1 this Nov. 7.
Rebecca Foster is a spokesperson for Progress for Maine. She lives in Falmouth.
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