June 13, 2014
Dear Editor,
The decision has made by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission by a 3-2 vote on June 12 that a casino/entertainment complex will be built in Greene County. There was a great amount of time, energy and money devoted to the consideration of this issue beginning prior to the referendum vote in August of 2013. My husband Dale and I, and others, have been opposed to this project. We attended the recent hearing in Jefferson as did others who opposed and supported the proposal. I respect those who organized and advocated for this complex to be located here and those who opposed it. I am well aware of what it takes to promote an issue on any side.
This county is a great place to live. I grew up near Rippey and graduated from East Greene High School. My husband and I retired here and live in my childhood home. We all want to see Greene County prosper from the smallest towns and rural areas to the county seat.
I would hope that as we move on from here that as Greene County residents we devote ourselves with the same dedication to issues and concerns facing us, including adequate housing for individuals and families at all income levels, mental health issues, teen pregnancy, jobs with a livable income for all ages.
Habitat for Humanity’s Helping Hands projects deal with the housing issue, one family at a time and the program to provide jobs and housing for veterans has been started. Habitat for Humanity involves families and volunteers from all over the county. People involved with our faith communities are involved in this work and other projects.
Through the Greene County Chamber of Commerce, the Greene County Development Corporation, public libraries, Greene County Historical Society and other groups, there is meaningful work being done already. Civic projects in recent years include the Rippey Library and Community Building supported by the Friends of Rippey, the city council and many in the area. The Grand Junction Community Building project is well underway.
Much more needs to done through our schools, board of supervisors and local units of government and by all of us. As Red Green reminds us, “We are all in this together.”
Nancy Hanaman
Rippey, Iowa
