I applaud the reopening of VictoryLand and its constitutionally sanctioned electronic bingo. Let’s hope that the hundreds of folks who lost their livelihood are able to return to work as the operation ramps up. Since VictoryLand voluntarily shut down electronic bingo to avoid the illegal raids of several years ago, the struggle to care for those less fortunate has greatly intensified. Let’s hope those days are over.

Macon County is blessed to have some of the finest, hardest working people anywhere, and while our people are not necessarily wealthy by monetary standards, they do possess a strong commitment to family, community and serving others. You will find Macon County residents who have achieved greatness from George Washington Carver to the Tuskegee Airmen.

At its peak, VictoryLand provided our county 2300 jobs, and put over $45,000,000 into the Macon County School System between the time it opened and the time it shut down. It also provided The Alabama Education Trust Fund over $56,000,000. In a state that is perpetually in a budget crisis, and while we are still mired in the aftermath of the Great Recession, how can we allow what amounts to a political turf war deprive our education budgets those types of dollars? It’s unconscionable.

We hope that Gov. Robert Bentley will honor his campaign pledge and not allow state law enforcement officers participate in illegal raids on this legitimate place of business. He is an honorable man and I believe that he is a man of his word — who will not be swayed by a potential political battle into violating our state’s constitution, and preventing the residents of our county from making a living, hurting our most vulnerable citizens.

Andy Hornsby
Montgomery