Letter to the Editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: PORT IS BEST SPOT FOR GAMBLING BOAT

This article comes from our electronic archive and has not been reviewed. It may contain glitches.

To the Editor:

The recent squabbling of area officials over the riverboat gaming issue is distressful. It seems to me that the focus of the issue should be regional development instead of the individual self-interest of local cities or groups.

The best location for a riverboat gaming facility is the SEMO Port. I know the Missourian has voiced its opposition, but I would like to make a case in favor of the Port location.

My first point is that it doesn't matter who would annex the Port facility. I believe the Port location would allow greater regional development. The land on either side of the Nash Road extension could be developed. North of Nash Road belongs to Cape Girardeau county. South belongs to Scott county. Any improvements such as roads or sewers could be made to order for the specific needs of the development.

The narrow roads and lack of parking in downtown Cape and Scott City could be a problem for visitors. The Nash Road extension will create a three mile straight drive from interstate 55 and the airport. Traffic problems, such as those that Cape currently experiences at nearly every event at the Show Me Center, would be avoided.

The isolation of the Port would allow for greater control of crime problems that could be associated with a casino. There will only be two roads that access the Port. Law Enforcement officials could easily monitor everyone entering the area.

The issue of safety for those who use the river for commerce would be resolved since the Port is not directly in the river channel.

I disagree with the Missourian stance that development of a gaming facility at the Port would be inconsistent with the original purpose of the Port Authority. The Port Authority was established with several goals. One goal was to promote the general welfare of both counties. Another was to encourage private capital investment. A gaming facility would be consistent with both of these goals. As long as the Port Authority continues to pursue other goals, such as establishing a foreign trade zone, its political position would not be compromised.

I encourage the citizens of Cape Girardeau to consider all of their options, including annexation of that portion of the Port to be used for a gaming facility. The Cape Girardeau City Council could then consider three sites for a gaming facility. The Port site could very well be the best option of all.

JERRY CANADY

Chaffee