CHAMBER BOARD BACKS RIVERBOAT GAMBLING PLAN

The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, in what officials described as the chamber's most controversial decision ever, has voted to support the riverfront gambling issue that will appear on the June 8 ballot.

"We could lose some members because of this decision," said Harry Rediger, chairman of the board. "But, we feel that the economic impact merited action by the chamber, which is an economic-minded chamber."

Rediger, along with chamber President Bob Hendrix, announced the decision during a Thursday afternoon press conference.

Rediger said the decision was based on a survey of chamber members. He added that the board's decision during a special meeting Thursday morning was not a unanimous one. He declined to announced the vote total.

"We sent questionnaires to all 1,125 chamber members," said Rediger. "We had a 40 percent response, and of those responding, 65 percent favored the issue."

Of the 450 members who returned the questionnaires, 292 favored the issue and 158 opposed it.

The chamber was in a lose-lose situation in making the decision.

"We had threats of resignations coming at us from three fronts," said Rediger. "Members in favor of the issue said they would resign if we did not support the issue; members against it said they would quit if we supported the issue, and other members said they would quit if we didn't take a stand of some kind."

Hendrix added, "Hopefully, our members will think twice before quitting. If we do have defections, we hope to see them return in the future."

Asked if the decision is likely to sway some votes, Hendrix said "most people probably already have their minds made up."

Three hours after the decision was announced by broadcast media, the telephone was still "ringing off the hook" at the chamber office.

"In every case except one, callers were pleased that we had taken a stand," said Hendrix.

"This is a complex and controversial issue," said Rediger. "The board felt it was necessary to consider the issue primarily on the basis of the economic impact involved."

One riverboat casino group The Board Group of Las Vegas has proposed a $37.5 million riverfront project that would include a $13.5 million riverboat casino, $6 million in gaming equipment for the boat and a $15 million land-based development for food services areas, retail space and parking.

The project, which would provide 800 direct jobs, is expected to attract as many as one million visitors to the city each year.

At least five riverboat casino developers have expressed an interest in the Cape Girardeau site if the measure receives voter approval.

"We feel the riverboat proposal would have a tremendous economic impact to the Cape Girardeau area," said Hendrix. "Our job is to help people. Being split on the issue is a sad note, but we hope we did the right thing."

The chamber did not take a stand when the Sunday sales law was passed in 1984.

"The sales tax issue was also a controversial issue," said Hendrix. "Many of the same elements were being mentioned then as now, but Sunday sales have been a plus. Retail sales are up, there has been no increase in crime, people still shop here and the city has grown."

One opponent of the gambling issues, the Rev. R. Charles Grant of the First Presbyterian Church, said he would resign from the chamber's presidential search committee because of the board's Thursday action.

Grant, one of the leaders of Citizens Against Riverboat Gambling, said:

"I don't think it is appropriate for me to serve on the search committee when my vision for the community of Cape Girardeau is at odds with the board's vision."

The chamber is searching for a new president to replace Hendrix, who is retiring.