This is in regard to the Sound-off Monday about me, "Use as a referendum." One very vocal group has made it clear they do not want video gambling. But this is not representative of the whole community.

When the subject first appeared, this one group did call and e-mail the Swansea Government Center. It was impossible to know whether they were all Swansea residents.

When the subject was presented at one of our meetings, the majority were in favor of video gambling. Since then I have been to more than 200 residences in Swansea. I did not bring up the subject of video poker, but dozens of people did. They all asked the same thing: "Why can't we have video poker?"

As I have stated in the Swansea Report, "Creating rules just because someone might not be responsible in itself is not justification to restrict. In most cases it is better to hold those responsible for their irresponsibility." This has always been my stand, whether it is meat shoots, archery, housing, chickens or video poker. The village has many tools at its disposal to deal with the irresponsible.

Yes, I am running for re-election. I know the group opposed to video poker will be out in force. I'll need the quiet majority to get out and vote April 9.

Brian Wells

Trustee, Swansea