GROWTH, MORALITY ISSUES IN SCOTT

For some residents of Scott County, Tuesday's vote on whether to legalize riverboat gaming presents an opportunity for unprecedented economic growth and jobs; for others, the vote is hardly viewed as an opportunity, but rather a threat to the quality of life and moral fiber of Scott County.

And there are those in between who do not necessarily view gambling as an immoral activity. Instead, they fear it could lead to problems or they are concerned about making gaming the foundation of economic development efforts.

Since the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority announced Oct. 11 that it had reached an agreement with Casino Magic to lease property for a gaming facility at the port, interest in Tuesday's election has been building.

Pastors from churches in the county have spoken against the issue, particularly in Sikeston, where just about every church with a marquee displays words urging a no vote.

No formal group has been organized to fight the issue, though the Sikeston Ministerial Alliance voted on Oct. 19 to oppose gaming.

The Rev. Carl Addison of Tanner Street Church of God, president of the alliance, explained that his group normally does not take positions. "But in this case we felt a unified statement would at least communicate to the community that the religious leadership of Sikeston agrees on this one issue we oppose. We have been trying to find ways to communicate that," Addison said.

"We've encouraged each individual member to communicate to their membership that the alliance is interested in having it defeated."

Proponents of the measure have focused their efforts on the economic development potential of gaming and have generally respected the views of citizens who oppose it on religious grounds. Proponents have not tried to convince them otherwise.

Even though the port authority is a 2-decade-old joint venture of Cape Girardeau and Scott counties, the land where the boat would be situated is in Scott County. That means voters must approve the local option before a boat operator can apply for a license with the state gaming commission.

Scott City Mayor Larry Forhan, whose city is the closest to the port authority, is unsure what to expect from Tuesday's election. But he knows if riverboat gaming passes his town is in for some changes. Some view those as good; some as bad. Members of the city council have not taken a stand on the issue.

Said Forhan: "The issue is both a moral issue and an economic issue. You can look at this entertainment complex, as it is being called, either way. If you look at it for economic development, the jobs and salaries are very attractive. On the other hand, if you look at it from a moral standpoint, there is an argument to be made that way also."

Shirley Young, a former mayor and the president of the Chamber of Commerce, said she is excited about what Casino Magic's proposed development will mean for her city and county.

Said Young: "I think it's the most exciting opportunity that Scott County has had in the 37 years I have lived here. I have always supported economic development and think this is an excellent opportunity. The possible spinoffs from this are just astronomical."

Young, treasurer of Scott County Citizens for Economic Development, the committee promoting the issue, said the chamber has not taken a formal position and that her support is only as an individual.

Young said she understands some people are apprehensive, but Casino Magic offers an exciting future for the town. "We've been a small town for so long and have not had such a golden opportunity, that it is hard to comprehend something like this could actually be located in our county," she said.

If riverboat gaming passes, Forhan said Scott City will face increased traffic problems, but there also is a potential for more sales tax revenue and jobs. Casino Magic is projecting a $30-million first-year investment, 800 employees with a $20 million payroll, and no less than one million visitors the first year.

"If you have 800 employees passing through Scott City, there definitely will be an economic impact," said Forhan. "We are a poor city and we would hope eventually our sales tax base could be built back up."

The Rev. Mark Carbaugh of the Christian Faith Fellowship in Scott City has serious concerns about legalizing gaming. "We are opposed to it," said Carbaugh. "We took a stand that we oppose riverboat gambling based on morality reasons. I would think, as a whole, churches that are conservative in their philosophy would be against it."

Addison said ministers in Sikeston have not tried to be "preachy" about the issue, but "we just feel like the short-term benefit -- if there are any short-term benefits -- will be offset by the long-term negative impact in Scott County.

"This is a very nontraditional way to build a tax base, and we would like to see our community funded in a more stable way. This carries with it a potential for addiction and huge social problems. In Scott County we have a heavy burden on resources already to meet the needs of people who live here. This will tax those resources beyond their limits and adversely affect the quality of life in Scott County."

Morty Potashnick of Sikeston, a member of the port authority's board of commissioners, said the port is a natural location for riverboat gaming because it will benefit the entire region.

"If we are going to have a gambling boat, in our view, it will either be in Cape County, Scott County or Alexander County. The geographically best place is at the port. It makes a lot of sense that it is there and under the management and control of the port authority -- a non-political, non-biased group," said Potashnick.

"The benefits to the port are regional in concept. The more we create at the port, the more industries we will have that create jobs and revenues for our counties."