Fairgoers split on merits of casino in Rochester

Dean Liberski gives the casino idea a thumbs-down. (Lebanon Voice/Harrison Thorp photos)

ROCHESTER - If there were an over/under on whether Rochester-area residents were in favor of a casino in the Lilac City, based on Saturday's reaction at the Rochester Fair, it'd be a push, or tie.

A small sampling of fairgoers revealed mixed feelings about having a gaming venue on Route 11, an idea being floated by a Nevada casino and the Rochester Fair Association.

Chris Hicks of Rochester

But what the positives and negatives boil down to is basically a risk-reward thing: jobs vs. crime.

"No, not really. We don't need a casino," said Dean Liberski of Rochester as he waited in line at a food booth.

Standing in front of him was Karen Smith of Rochester who disagreed.

"A lot of people are saying no, but it will bring jobs," she said.

Rob and Donna Lobdell of Rochester agreed.

"We're for it; it will bring jobs and help the economy."

"I know there are negatives, but overall I'm for it," agreed Chris Hicks of Rochester.

A release by the Rochester Fair Association on Friday touted as many as 500-600 permanent jobs with strong wages, healthcare and retirement benefit packages.

However, some doubted those numbers and wondered how many good-paying full-time jobs would be created as opposed to low-wage part-time service positions

"I'm against it," said Stacy Newport of Barrington. "There will just be more trouble with crime."

Nick Bellows seemed to agree.

Dana Huntley

"I wouldn't want it," he said. "I imagine it would bring in money but what else comes with it?"

The Rochester Fair is working with Eureka Casino Hotel of Nevada in an effort to push the casino project forward, with the two eyeing Route 11 as a possible casino site.

One fairgoer said they'd heard it would be going near the Spaulding where Thompson Center Arms used to be.

Another said Rochester is centrally located and would be a perfect place for a casino.

"It's (gambling) going to come sooner or later, it might as well be Rochester," said Dana Huntley, who recently moved to New Hampshire from Virginia. Pressed as to whether he was in favor of a casino, he grinned.

"Well, I'd rather have a casino in Rochester than a broad-based (state) tax," he said.

Jarod Scott of Rochester, with son Nick, 4.

Jarod Scott of Rochester, meanwhile, said all the hubbub is just that.

"It's a joke. I don't know if it would help or hurt, but it's not going to happen," he said.