Monday, January 28, 2008

Jan. 28: Vote no on slots in Dade

Tomorrow, voters in Miami-Dade County will decide whether to allow slot machines at race and dog tracks. Again, they should say no.

An early study on slots in Broward reports no rise in crime for the time being. But it is an early study. And there's a question of how Broward allocated its police resources to correspond with the changes taking place. You can handle something if you're ready for it.

With the property tax reform wave and a troubled economy hitting local budgets, though, will Broward's law enforcement be able to continue dealing with the situations created by increased gambling? History says no.

The television ads by the pro-casino forces have my least favorite line: That there is already gambling. Thus, the logic goes, let's add to it. It's a lousy excuse.

After Alex Penelas stepped down from the Dade mayor's post in 2000, efforts at creating a truly vibrant, non-tourism related economy in the county went with him. The construction economy created largely in the City of Miami had its fortunes ride on the real estate boom. We know where that's gone.

More gambling will just create more crime problems and gambling addiction in this community. Dade voters should say no to the slots on Tuesday.

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