We have often heard the word “character” used as the reason many Scarborough residents choose to live here. We need to think long and hard about what that really means to us when casting our vote on Nov. 4.

We all know how busy Route 1 can be on a typical summer afternoon. If the racino comes, think what the added influx of traffic might bring. Think about trying to get to Town Hall or to the library. You may need to leave your house on Broadturn Road more than a half hour ahead of time to complete this once simple trip.

Also keep in mind the continued popularity of Cabela’s and the subsequent continued growth in that area. That traffic combined with patrons trying to get to Scarborough Downs has “headache” written all over trying to navigate Payne Road (good luck trying to get to Pine Point Beach using that route!).

This, of course, hits on only one problem that will become a reality should the racino pass. We all chose to live in Scarborough for our own reasons. Our town’s character is desirable to most of us. Please consider what “character” means to you when casting your vote. Character cannot be bought and will be nearly impossible to recapture if a racino is allowed to operate in Scarborough.

Please vote no on the racino initiative on Nov. 4.

Jeff Ertman

Scarborough