I have been an EMS provider in Cedar Rapids since 1987 and I am supporting the casino because they help provide funding for public safety every year through charitable contributions.

A licensed casino in Iowa, by law, must contribute at least 3 percent of its profits for charity. This money could be put to great use in Linn County. Washington County has a casino and the Washington County Riverboat Foundation has purchased fire trucks for the Washington Fire and Riverside Fire Department, funded the Kalona First Responders classroom addition and provided funding for a new fire alarm for St. James School. The foundation also provided $328,500 in secondary road improvements and $150,000 for Washington County Conservation Board Shared Use Pathway.

I am looking forward to seeing worthy causes being funded here that otherwise could not be without the casino. Vote yes on March 5.

Bob Ugarph

Cedar Rapids