What are the island’s alternatives to casinos?

Texas is struggling with an $11 billion shortfall in the budget. Galveston is struggling to rebuild, and the budget shortfall in Galveston is said to be $6.5 million to $8 million.

Sales tax revenue is down by 9 percent. The Galveston Independent School District has a shortfall of $16 million. These are facts that can’t be denied.

Gaming will not fix it all. But if it is not implemented, what are the alternatives? Higher taxes or possibly a state income tax?

Those who oppose gaming have offered no solutions, while the fact remains jobs will be created and residents might move back to Galveston if there is work. This means people might buy homes and use the public education system, which in turn will create tax revenue for the city. These are things Galveston has been trying to accomplish for many years.

The average salary for a casino worker in the U.S. is between $15 and $17 per hour, or equal to about $30,000 a year.

According to a recent study, the median income in Galveston is reported to be $30,500 per household per year. This is 28 percent below the median household income for Texas, which is $42,139.

The issue of crime always is interjected into the argument against gaming. Is this really a factor, or is crime offset by the added policing and security that are provided with gaming? The gaming industry wants the perception that the area is safe. Therefore, security is a high priority and will be increased in the area where gaming is established.

What needs to be understood is this will not be Las Vegas.

There will not be slot machines in every convenience store like there are now. This will be limited to specific areas in the city and also in the state.

If you believe the same as I do, contact our city and state representatives. In considering these facts, it would seem difficult not to choose first-class casino resorts for Galveston Island.

Vic Maceo lives in League City.