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I would like to urge the voters to really think about the "benefit" from slots. I strongly believe Prince George's County does not need slots. It needs more technology companies investing in the community. It needs more small business, which drives the economy, and it needs more of those companies (headquartered here) so they invest and contribute here. We have some of the most educated, innovative, hard-working people who constantly drive to D.C. and Virginia when we should have those jobs right here. Additionally, cutting down on the commuting time would allow people to have more time to give to their family and community organizations.

With slots come gambling, poverty, depression, dropout rates, prostitution and crime. We do not need that in Prince George's County. I have been searching for a community that has benefited from slots in terms of less crime and better test scores, [but] cannot find one that would make me change my mind about slots. The Atlantic City [N.J.] area, for example, was depressed before they attempted to clean up the areas right outside the slots. Lavish casinos overlooking poverty.

As for the schools, we spend a lot of money on the school system, but that monetary part is only part of the problem. Based on my experience, money is not the only thing Prince George's school system needs. They need more businesses, parents and community leaders investing in their neighborhood schools. We do need to invest in our children; they are the future. By parents/community leaders/businesses investing more time with their kids, attending PTA meetings, mentoring our youth, providing scholarships, coupled with budget reviews, school facility investments and the schools will become better.

I do not believe in slots. However, if education was the sole reason for voting for slots, then 100 percent of the gain should go to the schools and make them the best in the nation. Pawn shops and liquor stores should be banned from a 30- to 100-mile radius from the slots, and the police should be as visible as at the National Harbor. Don't ask for any less than this because this is not an option: You must vote no for slots!

By the way, it will take years for the slots to even benefit Prince George's County. You have to find the location, negotiate, build develop and hire people. Again, look how long it took for the National Harbor and the amount of years before Oxon Hill and Fort Washington will ever have a chance to benefit.

Fix up Rosecroft instead and allow thoroughbred racing. Better yet, attend PTA meetings and/or start your own business. You can reap those rewards much, much sooner.

We already brought a bridge with the National Harbor. Nonprofits with small budgets are not the customer base for the National Harbor. Prince George's County is not who they are marketing to so do not let yourself be used over this slots debate and referendum. Use that as an example of what would happen if this pipe dream came true. If the money from National Harbor was invested into the community, then Rivertown Commons would not be struggling.

Do not believe the hype about slots. Instead lobby to get more companies to come to Prince George's County and build. Why can't we have a technology corridor here? Why is it we are able to work for technology elsewhere? Send the right message to our youth. We should have our own technology corridor. Don't worry if Nordstrom does not want to come to Prince George's; there are many businesses that will provide unique items that we can support. Invest in companies that invest in your community. Vote no for slots!

Nichole King-Campbell of Fort Washington is president of the Old Fort Hills Homeowners Association.