Yes on Question 2

As community leaders, we must not simply talk about our support of agricultural jobs and resources. We must take action. We need to work toward public policies and private sector investments that preserve and expand our farms, agricultural products and invaluable open spaces.

We have one of those opportunities with Question 2 on the statewide ballot Nov. 8. The initiative would allow for the creation of racinos – harness racing tracks with slot machines and a hotel – in Biddeford and Washington County. The Biddeford project is led by Ocean Properties, which was founded by a Bangor native, and Scarborough Downs. The Washington County project is led by the Passamaquoddy Tribe. The proposals would bring construction, hospitality and entertainment jobs to those communities. Local agriculture also would benefit.

Here’s how: The harness racing industry is a key piece of the larger horse industry in Maine. There are about 35,000 horses in our state, for racing, work and pleasure. A vibrant, all-weather racetrack in southern Maine will support breeders, stable workers, agricultural supply stores, hay farmers, equipment dealers and others.

We don’t personally support gambling, and it is not our economic development tool of choice. But we must acknowledge two factors at play this year. Maine voters already approved a racino in Bangor, and a casino in Oxford. Also, Maine’s horsemen are moving to compete in other states that have racinos. It makes sense to have one racino in southern Maine, one in Bangor and one Down East.

Biddeford Downs is a thoughtful proposal by two companies with deep Maine roots, and the positive impact will be felt far beyond the racetrack.

State Sen. Cynthia Dill

District 7 (Cape Elizabeth, South Portland, Scarborough)

State Rep. Kim Monaghan-Derrig

District 121 (Cape Elizabeth)

Question of survival

As you prepare to vote on Question 2 next month, please remember that this referendum could very well decide whether harness racing in Maine survives.

If Mainers say no, Scarborough Downs, my employer for the past 24 years, will likely be forced to close. The 100 employees we have at the peak of the racing season will be out of work. It would also have a crippling impact on farmers who grow hay, grain dealers, fuel depots, blacksmiths, veterinarians, repair shops and countless other small businesses that are tied to harness racing.

Did any of you enjoy a horse race at the fairs this year? They would be gone, too.

It may sound dramatic, but I understand the industry about as well as anyone. My mother is Sharon Terry, the owner and operator of Scarborough Downs.

I started scooping ice cream at the track when I was 16 years old, and worked my way to becoming vice president of finance. Now I have kids of my own, and they want to be part of the family business. How can I explain that our future is promising, but only if the voters of Maine approve?

The proposal is simple: We want to move our racetrack to Biddeford, as part of a $120 million entertainment complex. The people of Biddeford have welcomed us, voting overwhelmingly last fall in favor of the Biddeford Downs proposal.

I know for a fact that Sharon Terry and Ocean Properties will make the State of Maine proud of what Biddeford Downs will be. Please vote yes on 2.

Denise Terry

Buxton

Question 2 all about jobs

Let’s cut to the chase on Question 2: It’s all about jobs.

We have two companies in Ocean Properties and Scarborough Downs that are ready to invest $120 million into a state-of-the-art entertainment complex in Biddeford, across the turnpike from the recently constructed Biddeford Crossings Mall.

These companies already employ more than 1,000 Mainers, and they would employ hundreds more if we approve the Biddeford Downs racino by voting yes on Question 2 on Nov. 8.

In my mind, this project should already be under construction. The people of Biddeford voted in a landslide last November to work with Ocean Properties and Scarborough Downs. But now they are forced to undergo a statewide vote. This project will bring good jobs to a community that is ready to work.

I understand that some people are opposed to slot machines. Let me ask you this – what is the difference between spending a dollar on the lottery and spending a dollar on the slots, or placing a bet on a horse? There is no difference.

Others say a racino will lead to more crime, drugs and vices of all kinds. Those are scare tactics. The police chiefs in communities around the U.S. that have racinos have reported no rise in crime related to the facilities.

Biddeford Downs is a solid project backed by dependable, family-owned companies. We should vote yes on 2 and let them get to work.

Matthew McNally

Scarborough