SLOTS: Not in our back yard

When I began my work as Sheriff in 1977, there was open prostitution and gambling in Kootenai County. Seeing the effects these illegal activities had on the community and families, my office made it a priority to shut them down.

Today, almost 40 years later, I look around our county and see the installation of these new instant racing slot machines at the dog track. Idaho’s Constitution was amended in the 1990s and the intent was clear — to have very limited gaming in our state. I find it disturbing that there are slot machines right back near State Line where I dealt with these problems four decades ago.

A new casino in nearly every comer of our state does not help us build the kind of healthy communities our citizens deserve. I do not think any of us want Idaho turning into Montana with a Diamond Lil’s casino in every town. Unlimited gaming goes against our values and the will of the voters of Idaho. I hope the Legislature will repeal the law that these illegal gaming operations are trying to hide behind.

ROCKY WATSON

Kootenai County