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For a number of years, the questions of whether slots will be enacted and whether they are beneficial have been debated, not only in the state legislature, but by religious and special interest groups.

About this, there is a convoluted view that a program of slots, as a means of generating revenue, would seriously compromise the quality of life within communities.

Citizens are besieged with lamentable expressions, which are without positive proof, that the issue brings to mind distorted images of creating addiction, targeting the poor — who can ill afford to participate — inviting unsavory characters to invade the communities and an escalation of criminal activities.

Such rot! No such conditions exist in current areas that have slots operations, except those that were already in existence prior to slots.

Set the record straight. Not only have slot operations in other jurisdictions brought about extensive revenue, they have enhanced commercial venues, boldly encouraged community redevelopment, increased funds for education, promoted public safety and improved social services.

Let us clarify, once and for all, that morality has never been, nor will it ever be, forced upon citizens through legislation. One must then suspect that wishing to deny slots operations must surely be for personal pork-barrel interests in enacting special- interest legislation through fear that in some districts, they will not be recipients in the sharing of the revenues generated from slots.

If the religious community rejects an introduction of slots as morally wrong, then put a stop to encouraging bingo, whether on church property, at fire stations or by other nonprofit entities, [and] recall and push lawmakers to stop lottery operations that are currently in place in untold locations in every region of the state. Gambling is gambling, whether it is bingo, lotteries or slots.

Finally, citizens are being given the opportunity to voice their choice for or against the question by exercising their right to vote on the issue. These citizens must not allow religious leaders, legislators or special interest groups to think for them. The democratic process dictates the voice of the people.

Stop the nitpicking and causing confusion by linguistic shenanigans regarding the referendum wording and concentrate on producing an efficient and properly managed operation for slots that will serve to bring about a reduction of budget deficits. Slots may be a realistic and effective method of financing special infrastructures so badly in need of improvement.

If these so-called groups, who would deny citizens slots legislation as a means of relieving deficits that they face now and in the future, then I say, let the naysayers develop a program of alternative methods of producing revenue, other than an excessive burden of more and more taxes and reduction in services. What can these slots opponents create that will serve the needs of the people in this great state?

Alonzo T. Grigsby, Fort Washington