The Branson chamber of commerce on Wednesday rekindled its opposition to gambling in the area, and also took an official stance opposing a potential ballot measure that would lead to a casino in Boone County, Ark.
The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors, responding to increased activity in Rockaway Beach to make another push for a casino, passed a resolution similar to one it passed in 2004 when Rockaway Beach also attempted to bring a riverboat casino to the town. Missouri voters in August 2004 defeated an amendment to the Missouri constitution to allow gaming on the White River in Rockaway. The constitution only allows gambling on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
This time, the chamber worded the resolution to oppose gambling within the chamber’s “service area,” which includes Boone County, Ark. The addition was in response to a petition drive in Arkansas to place an issue on the November ballot to allow gambling in Boone County.
The resolution also specifies that the chamber “take proactive and aggressive measures to prevent gambling” in the area.
The resolution also encourages feedback from the chamber’s membership of approximately 1,000 businesses. In fact, much of the discussion of the resolution was whether to take a poll of the chamber’s membership on the issue. Board member Phil Cox said that if most members oppose gambling in the area, it could be beneficial in the chamber’s fight.
“My opinion is that 70 to 80 percent of the members would be opposed and that would be something we could stand behind,” he said.
Other board members said a poll would be risky because only a small percentage of members would likely respond to it.
“If we did a poll, I’d want to know we have a true reading of our membership,” board member Raeanne Presley said.
In the end, the board decided to encourage feedback to see if the board is heading in the right direction.
Rockaway Beach Mayor Tom Strom said he was disappointed to hear that the chamber was continuing its opposition.
“I am surprised,” he said. “I don’t know why they would be opposing a casino. It would bring more money to Taney County, more jobs and a better way of living. We have nothing against Branson; we have no idea why they have something against us.”
Chamber President and CEO Ross Summers said the chamber heard very little opposition from its membership two years ago. He said two businesses pulled their membership because of the chamber’s stance.
BDN
