"Memo to Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman: Carter Lake is a city in IOWA. Yes, Carter Lake is on the Nebraska side of the Missouri River, just northeast of downtown Omaha. However, its land was originally on the river's east side, but flooding and shifting in 1877 left 2,000 acres on west side of the river.

Keeping this act of nature in mind, please try to remember Carter Lake residents pay Iowa taxes, have Iowa area codes and are counted in the Iowa census.

Because of these reasons, the decision of whether or not to allow a casino to be built on Iowa land is not one Heineman - or any other Nebraska government official - has any say in.

Heineman said in his letter that the City of Omaha would be charged with providing the necessary infrastructure for the project. He also said a casino will worsen the social ills associated with problem gambling.

As if Nebraska - or parts of Omaha for that matter - has no social ills to speak of. Oh yes, if Iowa gets rid of all gaming, the drive-by shootings in Omaha will miraculously cease.

Gaming is something Iowa embraces. We benefit from it, and the possibility of a casino doesn't seem to bother some officials in Carter Lake."

Get the Story:
Thursday's Our View: Our business (The Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil 5/22)

Another Story:
Tribal chairman sees lack of respect (Midlands News Service 5/23)