Seagull Musings Column for June 6, 2004
On Tuesday, June 1, Hollister held a special council meeting at the request of Peter F. Herschend, one of the founders of Silver Dollar City. The only item on the agenda was a presentation by Herschend entitled “Municipalities for Gambling Choice.” The major thrust of his presentation was to request a resolution from the council making the City of Hollister a party in a lawsuit “to enjoin the Missouri Secretary of State from including the White River Gaming Petition on the August 3, 2004 election ballot.”
“Hold on there Seagull, isn’t this the same Peter F. Herschend, who supported SB 787, which would have required a vote of all the people in the county before casino gaming could take place?” It appears so. “Isn’t there something just a little inconsistent in supporting SB 787, which would let someone vote on an issue, and using a lawsuit to prevent someone from voting on an issue?”
Although it is inconsistent with SB 787, the lawsuit suit is actually very consistent with the philosophy of those who really control what goes on in Branson. To the maximum extent practicable “they” want to control what the voters get to vote on and how and when they get to do it. Was there any public vote on the “Highroad,” Branson Landing, or the formation of a non-elected “chamber controlled tax district” or the legislation that spawned its grotesque birth?
“Isn’t Herschend’s statement at the meeting and in the written material submitted to the council, that Rockaway Beach’s White River Gaming petition excludes all other cities and villages that are also on the White river from choosing to adopt gambling inconsistent with the way the petition actually reads?” In the opinion of an Ole Seagull, if the official “Official Ballot Title,” as certified by the Secretary of State’s office on July 11, 2003, means anything, absolutely!
The “Official Ballot Title” states “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to authorize floating gambling facilities on or adjacent to the White River in Rockaway Beach, Missouri, to be licensed and regulated consistent with all other floating facilities in the State of Missouri.” The original constitutional amendment permitting gaming in Missouri included only those locations on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Obviously it did not exclude Rockaway Beach, or any other location, from petitioning for gaming even as the Rockaway Beach petition does not exclude any other location, on the White River or otherwise, from petitioning for a similar amendment.
“Isn’t the filing of a lawsuit based on the supposition that it keeps casino gambling from other cities and villages on the White River inconsistent with Herschend’s stated opposition to the expansion of casino gambling?” Although, to an Ole Seagull, the position might be ludicrous, the methodology is very consistent and should bring fear into the hearts of those who believe that government shouldn’t be controlled by those with money, power, political clout and influence.
“Isn’t it inconsistent that Herschend made the presentation to the Hollister council requesting their participation in the lawsuit suit yet the KSPR TV report of the meeting reported that Herschend said that his ‘name is not going to be on the lawsuit?'” No, actually it’s pretty consistent. His name isn’t on the Highroad either but local folks are smart enough to know whose “road” it is.
“What do you think the chances are that casino entertainment will come to Rockaway Beach?” In October of 2003 the Ole Seagull wrote, “Unfortunately for Rockaway Beach’s casino gambling hopes, the petition itself provides the very ammunition that those opposing a casino in Rockaway Beach could use to attempt to shoot their casino down.Is it much?No, but it could be enough to make a ‘decent bet’ into a bet that is ‘at best, even money.'”
After reviewing the lawsuit that was filed, in detail, an Ole Seagull would have to say that the “at best” scenario might be overly optimistic. Regardless of the way this lawsuit ultimately ends up, the heart of an Ole Seagull is saddened. Saddened both for the citizens of Rockaway Beach because of the economic revival of their community that might be further delayed and for the citizens of Branson because of the price they were willing to pay to deny their neighbors that opportunity.
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.
