Douglas County commissioners have come out in favor of protectionism and against free market opportunity for all. By voting in favor of the 100 room gaming rule the commissioners appear to be saying that they are only in favor of very large casino operations and no others need to apply. This means that if you are an existing small business owner wanting to expand or a new entrepreneurial start- up just entering the gaming business you are not welcome in Douglas County unless you can afford to include at least 100 rooms with your gaming operation.
One has to ask the question. What is the real reason the commissioners voted 5-0 in favor of permitting, (1) only large, established gaming operations and, (2) new casino properties that include big hotel facilities to operate in the county while shutting out everyone else including small business men or women?
One reason might be that they could all be altruistic meaning that they are just looking out for the good of the community. One possible example of this point of view is a statement made by Commissioner Greg Lynn as quoted in The Record-Courier of July 4.
Mr. Lynn was quoted as saying "I don't know that the citizens in this town have an appetite for a bunch of slot joints."
That is right Greg, you don't know so why did you come out in favor of big only? And by the way just what town are you talking about? Are you not a commissioner of the entire county? Whatever happened to permitting the free market to decide what type of businesses can succeed and which can fail. Free market means average citizens decide by their patronage or lack of it which establishments succeed or fail. It is a thing called free enterprise. No, I do not believe our Douglas County commissioners are all that altruistic. There must be another reason.
Free enterprise is the opposite of protectionism which is what our commissioners are trying to practice. What I believe is that our commissioners are trying to protect the well established larger casino properties in our county because they know that is where a large portion of their big campaign donations come from. Big donations do not come from the little guys struggling to keep their small businesses operating. My take is that our commissioners are trying to keep the little guy out as a means of protecting the cash flow contributions that enables them to keep being reelected. And by keeping smaller gaming operations out they are limiting our choices for entertainment and enjoyment. They are also limiting the choices available to tourists!
Carson City has an ordinance in effect similar to that being considered by Douglas County commissioners. Our commissioners point to this ordinance as being a good thing. Carson City wants nothing but big casinos. But perhaps the Douglas County commissioners should take a drive through Carson with me. I will be happy to point out more than one large casino boarded up and with many former employees out of a job.
And Bill Henderson, Director of Marketing for Carson Valley Inn, stated, according to The Record-Courier, "We're not talking about reinventing the wheel ...If we don't have this we're sending a signal that anybody can come in ..."
Yes Bill that is right. It's called competition. It is called free enterprise. Why are you so afraid? Mr. Henderson goes on to say that, in effect, letting anybody come in, meaning smaller operations with less than 100 rooms, would not enhance tourism but would "dis-enhance" the rest of us.
Big is not the only answer.
My point is this. Let the free market decide what size and type of gaming operations can come into Douglas County and either succeed or fail on their merits. We don't need county commissioners pretending to play god or voting to protect their special interests under the guise of protecting us. Douglas County should not be closed to anyone, no matter how big or small.
Dennis Favero is a Gardnerville resident.
