Pros of Legalizing Card Clubs in Hawthorne

This is in strong support of Proposition P, legalizing card clubs in the city of Hawthorne. Having been born in Hawthorne, I have had in excess of 60 years to not only enjoy life here, but to watch many changes, good and bad.

Many residents are unaware that Hawthorne had legalized card clubs in the 1930s. Those were our Depression days, a severe strain on all factions, coast to coast. Our clubs generated monies desperately needed by our city. But because of very personal animosities between a few influential people, the clubs were voted out, roughly in the early 1940s. Even then, voters were given false information and scare tactics were used.

So again comes the issue of legalized card clubs, to generate income for the city coffers for the important areas in which those monies can be, must be, allocated.

Foremost is our need for more police protection, to assure a safe life for all residents. According to FBI standards, we need a minimum of 30 more officers on our police force.

Other considerations include funding for city parks, with park patrols, to provide a safe place for our children to romp and play games. They are no longer safe in their own yards, and they should have a place, well guarded, where they may have their fun and exercise.

Councilman Dave York has proposed another action for our city . . . improve Hawthorne Boulevard between El Segundo Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue, to attract commercial and other businesses, thus adding to the city income. At present, there is a lack of such improvements, due solely to insufficient funding.

Another enigma is that of the opposition to the clubs from (some) churches and schools. They state they oppose the clubs because they will generate crime. And yet, the churches indulge in lotto and bingo. Are those games not a form of gambling?

Schools are accepting funds from the California Lottery, so how can they oppose the card clubs? How inconsistent! Churches are exempt from taxes, but enjoy the same police and fire protection as we, the taxpayers. Are they coming up with church funds to help add police officers to the department?

Through the years, I have served on several boards and commissions for the City of Hawthorne. Foremost in my efforts has been to implement the best for all residents, and that is still my goal. So, please, Hawthorne voters, meditate, inquire, then do what must be done for the good of your families, your neighborhood, your city . . . vote yes on Proposition P!

DR. MAURY LEE, Hawthorne