I’d like to respond to the letter from Mark and Alberta Follansbee (“Wake up, smell the manure,” The Current, May 31). My husband and I own and race harness race horses, and have given serious thought to slot machines in Scarborough. We want them and the harness racing industry needs them.

Before Scarborough became a community of soccer fields and housing developments, it was a farming community. We hope that Scarborough doesn’t forget who we are. Scarborough Downs is an important part of our life. If there were slot machines at Scarborough Downs, we’d be better able to afford to live and work here. As it is, we have a tough time paying the taxes on our 12 acres on Holmes Road.

My husband and I met at Scarborough Downs, and know the owner, Sharon Terry. Scarborough Downs has always been very generous to the community, to the horsemen and to my family. It is the only commercial race track in the country that gives free board to horses. It’s no secret that they want slot machines. Like any other business that comes to town, you have to show the community you care by being giving in different ways.

Scarborough Downs has always been giving, even through the hard years. If the track had slot machines, it would be in a position to give even more. What’s wrong with that?

Sarah and Tim Nehila

Scarborough