OK, La Crosse city fathers, decision makers, politicians and anyone else with an inch of common sense, think about the following:

In 2000, La Crosse voters turned down a Ho-Chunk Nation proposal to operate a casino in the city. But now that the Hoeschler group has withdrawn its proposal for developing the former Holiday Inn site on Barron Island, I believe it's time to allow the Ho-Chunk Nation to put a casino there.

A casino would bring an endless amount of revenue to the

La Crosse area. Plus, in 2000, the Ho-Chunk Nation proposed to help with school taxes, property taxes and to open up at least 300 jobs if their casino was allowed in La Crosse.

I lived in Las Vegas for 10 years and know that just bringing a casino to this area sure isn't the problem or concern with an increase in crime or people losing their rent money. All the degenerate gambler has to do is go to bars or convenience stores for scratch-off lottery cards.

So, people, if you want to do something for the economy, local workers, schools, taxes and revenue, take a look at the casino option: Vegas class shows, televised professional pool tournaments and professional hold-em tournaments ... the ideas for entertainment are endless.

Take off the blinders and think out of the box.