Seagull Musings Column for April 25, 2004
In terms of pure economic benefit, what would bring more revenue to Branson, the expansion of drinking into theatres, attractions, and other venues where alcohol has traditionally not been served or having one of the largest casinos in Missouri, located as either an anchor in the Branson Landing Project or in a location about midway down the 76 strip? Which would provide better paying jobs and benefits? Which would make a better “anchor” for Branson Landing, the casino, a Belk department store, or a miniature Bass Pro Shop? Bring more new visitors to Branson?
Interestingly enough, in a March 29 email to State Representative Maynard Wallace, Mr. Rick Huffman, in his role of Chief Executive Officer, of Grandvista LLC said, “I would like to encourage all of you to not let a bill that was submitted to you requiring a countrywide vote to approve gaming in our State get out of committee.” He went on to say, “The current proposed casino in Rockaway Beach, Missouri, if passed in November, will add an additional attraction to southwest Missouri which will bring in much needed revenue to the State…along with an attraction that our current visitors would like to have.”
“Is that the same Rick Huffman that is a principal in HCW, the company that is the City’s developer for the Branson Landing project? A current Board Member of the same Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce that is trying to stop the very casino Huffman supports from coming to Rockaway Beach?” You can “bet” it is!
Huffman goes on to say, “I know many of you have heard from Mr. Ross Summers of the Branson Chamber of Commerce saying that our Chamber is in support of this, although there has been no polling of our membership indicating this.” “Hold on there Seagull. Isn’t that the same Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce that was instrumental in getting legislation passed permitting the imposition of a one percent retail sales tax that some call ‘The Chambers Tax?'” Isn’t it a tax that would be imposed, on certain Taney County residents without a vote of all the residents of Taney County?” As “taxing” as the answer is, you are absolutely right.
Peter F. Herschend, as the Vice Chairman/Co-Owner of Silver Dollar City, Inc., responded to Huffman’s email in a letter saying, “Rest assured Mr. Huffman does not represent the view of the Board of Directors of the Branson Chamber of Commerce, the City of Branson nor any other significant segment of the business community.” He went on to say, “Residents of any Missouri County should be given voice to vote up or down on whether casino gambling should be licensed in their home county.”
“Is that the same Peter Herschend that is not a member of the Board of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce? The person who endorsed the imposition of, what some call, ‘The Chamber’s Tax’ without giving a voice to vote it up or down to all Taney County who would have to pay it?” It sure is. “Seagull, did Herschend even hint that the residents of Taney County be given a “voice to vote [the High Road] up or down?” Are you kidding!
It’s an interesting concept, this letting people “vote up or down on” the issues affecting “their home county.” Wonder how the vote would have worked out for the jail in Forsyth, the building of Branson Landing, the High Road, improvement of Highway 65 south to the Arkansas line, who gets Branson marketing funds, the City of Branson working with the YMCA to avoid duplication of facilities, the expansion of drinking into theatres, attractions, and other venues where alcohol has traditionally not been served, etc.?
Of course that’s not the way the system works so we’ll never know but, it sure would have been interesting. “But Seagull, why are they changing the system for gambling in Rockaway Beach?” In an Ole Seagulls opinion, because “they” feel a need to do so and “they” can!
Gary Groman, a.k.a. “The Ole Seagull,” is an independent columnist and the editor of the Branson Courier. He may be reached by clicking here or by calling 417-339-4000.
