August 10, 2013Dear SirI am completely in favour of gaming for one good reason ... I don’t ‘believe we are going to see any capital investment in the hotel industry if the investor can’t recoup his investment. It’s absolutely impossible to recoup anything much less make a profit as we stand today because labour costs are so high. I’m not suggesting that labour shouldn’t be paid what they get but you can’t sell a room night for what it costs to get any return on your investment.The hotel industry is important to Bermuda even though it’s contribution to GDP is a fraction of international business. Its important because it is an industry that can provide work for Bermudians. Its jobs that we need and we will not see jobs in the hotel industry unless capital flows and see my comment above ... it will not flow without a source of return.Mr. Premier, your stubborn stand on a referendum is borderline silly.The only reason you took that stand was because some reporter asked a question and that was your answer. I seriously doubt that you either discussed it with Cabinet beforehand OR if you did, that Cabinet feels very comfortable with this. Look, if you lose it will cost us in a very, very big way. That’s the practical side. The reality is that you were elected to lead and make decisions ... so do it. Don’t be stubborn, be smart.Referendums are, by their very nature, emotional processes. Emotions — not intellect — will run high if we do this and I guarantee you that two things will happen: facts will be twisted so that none of us understands anything, much less the facts, and second, the topic will split this island like race never could.Sure, this is a big decision but this is the reason we pay you the big money ... you’re supposed to make the tough calls; you’re supposed to know what will work and what the options are; and that’s why we chose you and the OBA over the PLP.You think I’m alone on this ... take a poll. At least that won’t cost money we don’t have!SincerelyMake a damn decision!