LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: GAMING ALLOWED ILL. BUSINESS TO GROW

To the Editor:

I know there has been an overwhelming amount of comments on the riverboat gaming issue in Cape Girardeau from citizens concerning the impact of riverboat gaming will make on local business in Metropolis, Ill.

My father owns a food establishment in Metropolis. The sales on a monthly basis prior to the riverboat were approximately $45,000 a month. This is an average amount on sales for our restaurant.

Following the opening of the riverboat, sales jumped $20,000 per month to $65,000 in sales per month. This is an incredible jump in sales directly related to the riverboat. The sales have not declined, but instead have held at $65,000 per month with occasional increases. We expect this to even increase with the summer approaching.

I am in favor of riverboat gaming as you can see. However, this is not an exaggeration but a very true example of what riverboat gaming can do for business.

So please consider voting yes on Tuesday, so profits like these can stay in Cape Girardeau, Mo., instead of over in Illinois.

CRYSTAL DAVIDSON

Cape Girardeau