LETTERS: OTB woes test our priorities

I would like to know what essential service the New York City Off-Track Betting Corp. provides that the "powers that be" think requires a bailout ["Odds stacked against OTB on bailout," News, Dec. 1].

Ellen Capobianco

Valley Stream

It is absurd that a bailout of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corp. is even being considered. Its business is down because of the popularity of Internet gambling sites and declining interest in horse-racing. These trends will not reverse.

The marketplace has spoken, and lawmakers must not postpone the inevitable with our hard-earned money. It's frustrating enough to see tax dollars poured into entities like the Long Island Rail Road to bridge endless operating deficits, but at least such organizations provide a public service. What public benefit is derived from betting parlors?

Your article notes that this issue will soon crop up in Suffolk and Nassau as Long Island OTBs are now facing similar fiscal problems. Will our pandering politicians stand up to the unions for a change and preserve taxpayer money? It's a long shot.

Artie Flanagan

Center Moriches