Anti-Casino Group Silences Electorate

In regard to the anti-casino coalition that has been formed in Monterey Park, here is my opinion.

First, 1,000 residents signed an anti-gambling petition after being force-fed a one-sided story. A moral minority, which represents about 1.5% of Monterey Park’s population, made a decision for everyone in town. So much for the democratic process. But what is even more disturbing is that we seem to have an elite group of people who don’t think we should even have the opportunity to vote on it!

Second, the Feb. 22 council meeting attended by hundreds of people was totally emotional and irrational. The moral minority cited all the crime that would come to Monterey Park--gangs, prostitution, money-laundering. The moral fabric of the community would be torn asunder!

Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we have all this and more in town, and no one has come forward until now. How strange.

We have mah-jongg games played for money in homes all over town. And one anti-card club lady, when asked why her mah-jongg game was any different than a card club, replied, “Our game is friendly.” It is no secret that gambling goes on in town, but none of the mah-jongg houses are raided.

Many people have expressed their disappointment in not having a say on the issue through the initiative process. And to those of us who are concerned with the city’s financial plight, it seems there is no way to save the quality of life in Monterey Park.

The city can tax just so much before a voters revolt. And to those who would rather close the library than have a card club, this reflects a narrow, selfish, elitist view. It is a decision to be made by all, not just the moral minority.

IRV GILMAN

Monterey Park