To the Editor:

Every lawmaker upon election promises to serve the will of the people and work in their best interests.

I’m hoping my fellow lawmakers in Concord keep that promise with the gambling debate.

There is a plan on the table right now that would create thousands of jobs, create a non-tax stream of revenue that would help fund essential programs like highways and higher education, and Granite Staters support it.

A University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll from February should tell lawmakers all they need to know, if they truly wish to serve the interests of the people of New Hampshire. Some 62 percent of respondents support casino gambling, with just 32 percent opposed. People like to call this a controversial issue, but with such overwhelming public support, I believe it’s a no-brainer.

New Englanders are going to gamble. We can ignore the will of the voters, and watch our own revenue dollars flow to Massachusetts, or we can build a high-end casino in our state and create a new magnet for business, tourism, revenue and especially jobs.

I’m voting for SB 152, expanded gambling for New Hampshire. I ask my House colleagues to do the same.

REP. DICK HINCH

Merrimack