$2 billion makeover for Taiwan isles

In early July 2012 some 3,000 Matsu residents voted 57 to 43 to permit casino gambling. Their votes were clearly influenced by the promises of not only a casino, but also a tourist resort, expanded airport, roadway infrastructure, a university, and perhaps most alluring of all, a monthly payment of 80,000 New Taiwan dollars ($2,666) for every resident.