I have already gambled with Steve Gray and Clark McCloud and lost. If any of you bought stock in their now defunct teleconnect company, you only got back 50 cents back on every dollar you invested. Now the Gray and his investors want to keep more of your money for themselves by paying the lowest return to the community than other casinos; sounds pretty sweet.

I am trying to understand why an area designated as a “Blue Zone” to become healthier is pushing so hard for a smoking-allowed establishment.

Not everyone will become addicted to gambling, but having a family member who declared bankruptcy twice is all I need to vote no. Surely with the redevelopment around the river, Cedar Rapids can come up with a more wholesome family entertainment.

Tom Lammers

Marion