Ellen asks if anyone knows the Goldfarbs. I've been introduced to Morris and to a son and daughter-in-law and have had them as guests for cocktails. They don't seem to be evil or avaricious and don't have horns on their heads. In fact, my encounters with them have led me to believe that they're quite modest and charming people who have been successful in business . . . are small investors in a casino associated with a well known musician friend-of-the-island . . . have endeavored to develop a plan that would afford a much needed community meeting hall for the island . . . and have no more in mind than a "card room."
I understand, of course, that a card room can be the proverbial "camel's nose under the tent." But, whether the camel is allowed into the tent is a ways down the road. Perhaps it'll be a dismal economic failure! In the meantime, a number of people known to many of us, who enjoy frequent card games on the island, would have a new venue (to quote from "Casablanca," as Captain Renault finds an excuse to close Rick's Place to placate Nazi Major Strasser, "I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!" (as the croupier hands Renault a pile of winnings)).
Personally, in my small acquaintance with them, I like the Goldfarbs and find them to be reasonable people. They, moreover, would be pleased, I believe, to engage in conversation about the proposed "casino." In lieu of writing to government officials, thus (or perhaps in addition to doing so), it might be useful to express opinions to the Goldfarb family and seek to find out what really is planned.