Letter: Please Support Table Games at Newport Grand

I am a 30-year resident of the Newport area and have worked at Newport Grand for three years.  I have been delighted to find Newport Grand to be an employer with strong integrity and loyalty to its employees.  Newport Grand provides this area with 200+ year-round jobs at competitive wages and benefits.  At the same time, Newport Grand contributes $1 million annually toward Newport’s tax burden.

Rhode Island consistently reports one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation.  It’s great to aim for an eventual “Innovation Hub” in our area, but it also makes excellent sense to keep 200+ jobs that are here right now.  I believe that these scenarios are not mutually exclusive.

I urge everyone to visit http://www.jobsfornewport.com/ to learn more about the $40 million investment ready to be made by locally based investors.  A visually attractive boutique offering in the current location will complement revitalization of the North End, not detract from it.  There is room in Newport for a diversity of jobs and a diversity of offerings that will broaden the base of tourist dollars and only increase support to our local businesses and economy. 

Please vote yes for table games at Newport Grand!

Diana D. Webb

Jamestown, RI