I’m not one that normally speaks up about plans for commercial space, but since it feels like most of the recent public comments about the proposed Nittany Mall casino have been negative, I want to speak for the other side. There are many in this community that would welcome a casino, and are even excited that one may be coming. I am one of them.
There are 14 casinos in Pennsylvania, and somehow despite being located in the middle of the state, we are at least an hour and a half drive from all of them. In a state with so many casinos, it’s time for the Centre Region to have easier access to one. Modern casinos are safe and clean, and can be an excellent source of tax revenue.
Adding a casino would add to the entertainment and nightlife options that Happy Valley can offer. This area offers plenty of bars and restaurants, but for those of us who are in the mood for something different, this would be a unique, fun way to spend a night out.
Imagine a future in which the Nittany Mall has new life breathed into it — with restaurants and shops that in addition to the casino could help draw people from nearby towns and counties to College Township. It would be another step forward in what has been rapid growth along Benner Pike between Bellefonte and State College in recent years. In this case, the community would be achieving this further growth by repurposing an existing building, not building a new structure that would clear out trees and add more pavement like so much development has in recent years.
Concerns about addictions to gambling? Mobile sports betting and iGaming (online slots/table games) have been legal in Pennsylvania for a few years now, so anyone with a phone or computer already has 24/7 access to a casino. The proposed casino wouldn’t change that. We have no problems selling alcohol in many different places when it can have so many adverse effects. What makes gambling any different?
A casino, especially a smaller one like the one being proposed, will not look much different than the many other businesses in that area. I appreciate that some are concerned that this may impact the “small town” feel that this area has, but I would argue that the recent increase of high-rises in downtown State College impact that far more than repurposing an old Macy’s store at the mall into a small casino.
Brian Thompson,
Benner Township
Mastriano promises freedom, except for women
Doug Mastriano, Republican nominee for governor, promises Pennsylvanians will “walk as free people” and that he will “protect residents from medical tyranny” according to his “First Week as Governor” video on his campaign website.
Mastriano’s “freedom” doesn’t include women seeking reproductive health care (even in cases of rape, incest or to protect the life of the mother). Mastriano doesn’t want government making people’s medical decisions, except when the people are women making excruciating decisions about crisis pregnancies.
Mastriano promises “a government that will not strip away your freedoms, and will allow you to live your life as you see fit, and raise your family as you see fit.” Unless you are pregnant—then he wants government to control your body with his Fetal Heartbeat Bill, which, if elected, he promises to sign in his first week as governor.
Mastriano won’t “have any bureaucrat tell you how to live your life.” Except if you are a woman of childbearing age.
If you find Mastriano’s promises hypocritical and frightening, please register to vote by Oct. 24, and vote against him this Nov. 8.
Linda Westrick,
College Township
Biden’s positive impact
How refreshing it is to have a president again who knows how to be a president.
Joe Biden understands the enormous responsibility he has as leader of our country and of the world. He knows what happens in America matters in every other country, large or small. And he knows he doesn’t need bluster to make himself seem important and to get things done. He brings humble leadership with a sense of duty to the office.
What Joe Biden has accomplished in less than two years will make a positive impact on every American, now and in the future. Yes, there is more to do, and not every piece of legislation is perfect, but here’s the thing: With Biden we have a president who is working to do things FOR us, not TO us.
History will tell us how this era in American history works out, but every American benefits from having a real president back in office.
Beverly Crow,
State College
Mastriano would force government mandate
Government has no business restricting citizens’ freedom to make private medical decisions. Doug Mastriano, a state senator, opposes abortion under all circumstances. He stated explicitly, in a primary debate, that if elected governor, he supported a ban on abortion from “conception, “ adding, “I don’t give way for exceptions, either,” referring to exceptions for cases of rape, incest or a medical emergency in which a mother’s life is at risk.
Pennsylvania voters care about a lot of issues—the economy, education, climate change—but Mastriano’s radical stance put those issues on the backburner for a lot of Pennsylvanians who don’t want government interfering with women’s health and women’s lives.
We as citizens want government taking care of our roads, public safety, public transportation and education—and addressing the rising cost of living due to the ravages of climate change. Don’t let politicians take away the freedom to make your personal health care decisions.
Doug Mastriano would force everyone in Pennsylvania to agree with his extreme views on women’s health, perhaps including HB 1095, proposed legislation that would impose a mandatory life sentence for “Homicide of an Unborn Child.”
Mind your own business, Doug Mastriano. Voters in Kansas spoke loud and clear: they will not tolerate extreme bans on abortion—and neither will Pennsylvanians. If you readers agree, preserve our reproductive freedoms by voting for Democratic candidates in November.
Lauri Schaitkin,
Lock Haven
Republicans in Harrisburg can’t be trusted
Here they go again.
Republicans in the Pennsylvania House and Senate are once again lining up to place a raft of constitutional amendments on the primary ballot next spring. Rather than debating and passing these amendment proposals in the open in Harrisburg and using the legislative process requiring approval of the governor, the Republican plan is for quick approval with little debate in the legislature, then placing the proposed amendments on the spring ballot when there are fewer voters. By doing this they’re cutting the executive branch of our government out of the process.
Yes, this is legal. But pay attention! And remember the words of Thomas Jefferson: “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”
Pay attention to what the Republicans in Harrisburg do, and not what they say. They have demonstrated again and again they can’t be trusted. It’s not a pretty picture.
Stephanie Szakal,
Pittsburgh
