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Now’s the time for casino on Saipan
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Posted on Sep 05 2011
There are a lot of reasons why it is finally time to have restricted, regulated, and taxed casino gaming on Saipan. One is we need the money it will bring. Another is it will create some jobs and maybe bring back some of our kids who have left the island to find work. Another is that it is a business that can be up and running very quickly instead of taking years to get going. The hotels are already here, they don’t have to be built. The airport is more than capable and is already bringing in hundreds of thousands of tourists; it doesn’t have to be built or improved. We are ready to get started right away.
Most of the people who talk to me about this are in support of the idea of allowing a few big hotels to offer casino gaming if they want to. A few people don’t want it for whatever reason but never seem to come up with a realistic alternative. Farming is a wonderful idea but it will take many years and most of our island’s scarce land to create an export farming industry that really adds any noticeable money to our CNMI economy. Compare that to a few months for casino gaming to begin adding money to our ailing economy.
It will certainly improve our tourism and give the visitors something else to do. It will make enough in tax money so we can clean up our other tourist sites and build some new ones. It will improve the amount of money most tourists leave on the island. This is our only source of outside income. So why doesn’t MVA have a position on this important issue? Please speak out NOW.
Casinos on Saipan will not hurt gaming on Tinian or Rota. For the benefit of all the people of the CNMI, let’s do the right thing and help get this new industry started instead of dragging our feet.
Citizens, we can do it if we stand up to the handful of naysayers and worry warts. We need to clear the path and make it possible for this new cash maker to operate right here on Saipan. Those who want to play casino games will be able to do so. Those who don’t sure don’t have to. Everybody wins.even the losers have fun.
Rep. Stanley T. McGinnis Torres
17th CNMI Legislature
Capital Hill, Saipan
