Numbers show why a casino is needed

The proposal to build the state's first casino in Jasper County (Hardeeville) is truly a jackpot in terms of increased employment and additional tax revenue.

Consider the following data from the 2010 South Carolina County Profile Publication (June 2010), comparing Jasper County withother counties in South Carolina:

Personal income, 38 out of 46; per capita income, 31 out of 46; unemployment, 10.6 percent versus 11.7 percent for the state; number of jobs, 32 out of 46; property tax rate, 16 out of 46.

This tells me that income is low, unemployment is high, and taxes are higher. Taxes in Jasper County (and Hardeeville) just increased 26 percent. As reported in the Jan. 23 Packet, Ronnie Malphrus, director of county administrative services, expects the tax rate to be "pretty level for the next 20 to 25 years. The only way for it to go down is to find new revenue."

If the county needs revenue (and they do), I find it distressing that anyone would not find this project critically needed. In addition, an increase in revenue would help our schools. Hardeeville school rankings on state standardized tests are: elementary, 179 out of 187 cities; middle school, 116 out of 130; and high school, 116 out of 130.

Think about it. Developers believe that the growth potential here is worth taking the risk. We need all projects that would help bring employment and additional revenue to Jasper County. This project needs our support. Forget the emotion; look at the numbers.

Lawrence J. Jun

Hardeeville