Setting the right example for Libby area youth
To the Editor:
Reference: Opinion by Ted Werner "An 'unprecedented' opportunity" The Western News, Jan. 25, 2008.
Being relatively new to Libby (July '07), one of my first observations was the remarkable number of casinos present.
This astounded me that such a small community could support so many businesses catering to drinking and gambling when so many other businesses are struggling and in despair.
I heard of the possible opening of the "Fraternal Moose Hall," next to Ace Hardware, about the second week of January and it came as a complete shock.
It seems unimaginable that the people of Libby could allow a drinking and gambling establishment across from a grade school.
Children pass by this spot daily going to and from school.
Do we so lack concern for our children to the extent that we don't mind that they're exposed to drunks in the parking lot they walk through daily?
I grew up in the nation's "Sin City," Las Vegas. The County Commission and City Council, in the old days of Las Vegas, were particularly aware of the need to separate the primary industry, gaming and alcohol consumption, from the places where children went to school and people lived.
The Commission understood that the revenue from gaming kept the city prosperous, and allowed residents one of the lowest tax rates in the country.
However, they also understood the moral obligation to keep the evils of these types of establishments away from the eyes and souls of children and from those adults that did not care to cater to the moral ineptitudes associated with gaming and bar hopping.
I suggest that the "City of Eagles" look at the casinos as a valuable resource for the community, and impose taxes on them that will allow Libby to improve in other areas; The Main Street Program could surely benefit from gaming income, gaming revenue could be the resource needed to build that aquatic park so many want, the area of U.S. Highway 2 between Idaho and Louisiana avenues could use a facelift and should, in my opinion, be part of the Main Street Program, city sidewalks could be replaced, the decaying sewer and water system could be revitalized, and the city could develop a truly comprehensive economic revitalization plan.
Opportunity exists for Libby and its retail businesses, especially during the tourist months, but we must create a community where passers-through can't help but want to stop and check our businesses out. Gaming revenues can surely help.
In turn, the "City of Eagles" must protect the children, and the public as a whole, from exposure to elements associated with gaming and alcohol that lend the wrong example.
To accomplish this I suggest a gaming and bar zone, away from schools and residential areas, where gaming and bars are allowed — allowed only in this zone.
One other point; the Libby area seems to have a much higher drug and alcohol problem than I would have expected.
Death rates due to alcohol related automobile accidents seem to be excessive.
Are we really willing to contribute to this growing problem?
I'm not opposed to gaming and bars, I grew up in the gaming business, I only feel these businesses have a higher obligation to contribute to the betterment of the community, and the local government has an obligation to protect the children and the public from the adversities associated with gaming and alcohol consumption.
There are many people and businesses in Libby that could offer ideas with great promise thereby adding to the culture of Libby, if allowed the resources and opportunity to be creative. But as it stands, the "City of Eagles" is doing little to encourage new business, unless of course, that business is a casino.
It is time Libby forget about being a company town, wearing the diapers handed out by the generous employer that in the end, abandons you with dirty diapers, but move forward with britches it can be proud to put on one leg at a time without outside help.
Ted, thank you for expressing your thoughts on this matter.
Phillip Erquiaga
Libby