Cape City Council takes next step in putting casino vote on ballot

The campaign over gambling in Cape Girardeau can now begin.

The Cape Girardeau City Council voted Monday to set a Nov. 2 election on the issue of allowing a casino in the city and a negative vote would derail the city's effort to bring a casino to town just as the Missouri Gaming Commission is set to decide which community will receive the state's sole available license.

The call for a special election needs a formal second vote by the council, but because the issue was brought up by a petition drive by Quality of Life in Cape Girardeau, the only issue was when the election would be held.

After the meeting, Mayor Harry Rediger said he does not intend to personally lead a campaign in favor of gambling. Instead, he said his role is to make sure city voters have a clear picture of what is being proposed.

Rediger, however, said he personally supports a casino development. "I will be voting yes mainly because I know more about the positive aspects now," he said.

Two developers have pitched plans to the city. One, Isle of Capri Casinos, has laid out a plan for a casino with 1,200 gambling seats, a 750-seat auditorium and three restaurants along North Main Street. The other developer, St. Louis Capital Partners LLC, has not revealed exact plans but said it would build on one of two sites south of Highway 74.

Doug Austin, spokesman for Quality of Life in Cape Girardeau, said he will wait until after the second council vote setting the election to discuss his plans for the fall campaign. "I have to talk to a lot of people in the next two weeks," he said.

But one member of the steering committee, former councilman Melvin Gateley, said he opposes gambling as he did in 1993, when the city last voted on whether to have a casino. "The one thing that sticks in my mind is my love for the city, love for the people and that we have the greatest city in the world."

Cape Girardeau is one of four locations that have casino companies actively pursuing local support for their plans. Applications are due at the gaming commission by Sept. 1 and community recommendations are due later that month.

rkeller@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO