Card Club Would Be a Magnet for Crime

I am very concerned about the proposition on the November ballot in West Hollywood to permit the operation of a card parlor in that city. Though I live in Los Angeles, this establishment would greatly impact on myself and my neighbors because it would be located at Romaine and La Brea avenues at the edge of West Hollywood. Indeed, more people in Los Angeles will feel the negative impact than the greater majority of people living in West Hollywood.

This type of business will without a doubt increase crime in the area. Drugs, prostitution and various crimes related to or spawned by addictive behavior tend to be drawn to gambling, legal or illegal, like a magnet. It is true gambling does generate revenue, but at what price? And is the price worth the cost?

I sincerely hope the voters in the city of West Hollywood vote against this measure for the good of everyone in West Hollywood and the surrounding area.

MICHAEL L. STEMPEL

Los Angeles