Opposing sides share views of election, casino issues
Staff reporter
Information can be powerful. It can help people make decisions that could affect themselves and others for years to come.
Dale Nuss of Hillsboro and Dave Crofoot of Marion have opposite opinions regarding the upcoming referendum vote for county voters to determine if the county should be positioned for casino development. But both agree that voters should be armed with as much information as possible when they receive their ballots in the mail.
Residents who oppose
A somewhat reluctant advocate, Nuss and other county residents came together as an organized group, Citizens for a Prosperous Marion County, that is opposed to a county special election for a referendum vote and casinos developed in the county.
"I feel strongly that only one side has been presented or information has been 'spoon-fed'," said Nuss. He said promoters and developers show the glamour and glitz of a casino but not the downfall to a community and county.
"There are three reasons I'm against casinos," said Nuss. "Social ills are guaranteed to come along with a development like that. You can look at any community and see the problems."
The development has been presented as an answer to economic development, said Nuss, but he sees it as "economic under-development."
Nuss' third reason is the morality of the issue.
"It's up to the individual to decide," Nuss said. The issue will affect more than his immediate family.
"There's something about Marion County that attracts families to come and live here," said Nuss. He knows a lot of money and jobs leave the county but focuses on the reasons people choose to live and raise children.
"It's quality of life," he said, a quality that may be changed if a casino and other development that is associated with it is allowed.
Nuss said he isn't against change or development but wants it to be healthy. He believes energy should be spent in assisting locally owned businesses to expand and to assist residents in realizing their dreams of starting a business.
"Long term success comes from local people who invest in their own communities," he said.
Nuss compares himself and members of the organization to Minutemen — a group of unpolished residents, ready at a minute's notice to rally together to defend their county, state, and country.
The group also is affiliated with Voices of the Heartland, a statewide group of residents against casino development.
A public meeting is planned for 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Marion Senior Center, 300 S. Third, Marion. Information will be presented and residents will have a chance to ask questions.
Nuss, a Marion High School graduate, wife Becky and sons Scott, 20, and Alex, 16, have lived in Hillsboro for eight years.
"A casino will generate a huge amount of revenue at a cost," said Nuss. "Are we willing to pay the cost?"
Casino supporters
Dave Crofoot is proud of Marion County Commission.
"They're showing Marion County is progressive," he said. "Every time Marion County is mentioned, it's $1,000 free advertising."
Crofoot and others see this as a unique opportunity for the county.
"This would bring more people into the county," Crofoot said, "and a higher caliber work force."
People commute to Wichita and other areas to work but this would bring people to the county to work and live, causing a snowball effect.
"More people means more need for businesses like plumbers, electricians, and grocery stores," said Crofoot.
Crofoot, an owner of Western Associates, Flint Hills Embroidery, and Western Graphics, is not concerned with this type of development putting him and others out of business.
"There won't be a sufficient number of eating facilities on- site," he said, "so restaurants and other businesses will benefit."
Crofoot does recognize that some businesses would suffer should a Wal-Mart or some other large retailer come to the county but ultimately a proactive stance is more beneficial.
"It's up to individual business owners to draw people into their businesses," said Crofoot, "and take advantage of visitors."
Not everyone in the area will want to work at a casino, leaving a sufficient supply of workers for Marion County businesses.
He also doesn't see a casino development as a cause for alarm regarding crime. As a matter of fact, he thinks that type of development could reduce the production and sale of methamphetamine because of an increase in population. Crofoot said law enforcement also would be able to cope with additional crime with increased funding being available.
Crofoot is concerned with inaccurate information being circulated about the proposed development being state-owned.
"According to information provided by Foxwoods Resort Casino, the facility would be privately owned and operated by the Iowa Tribe of Kansas, and Nebraska and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal National, which owns and operate the Foxwoods casino."
Crofoot is realistic about the county's chances of getting the development.
"We have a fighting chance," he said, "but if we don't get it, it won't be a wasted effort. This may get other developers to take a look at our county because we are progressive."
Crofoot wants people to obtain factual information and vote. He wants community leaders to encourage people to register and cast their votes, whether they're for it or against it.
"The more participation we have, the more accurate tally we'll have of what county residents really want," he said.
When asked if there was an organized effort to get this passed, Crofoot responded that most people are busy working their jobs but knows there are a considerable number of people who support it.
Crofoot, a longtime Marion County resident, is the son of John and Marian Crofoot. He and wife Jackie are residents at Marion County Lake.
The late John Crofoot, a Kansas Senator from District 12 in Chase County from 1973-1980, started the successful businesses, currently owned and operated by the Crofoot family.
"My dad had a saying, 'You can't sell anything unless you ask for the order'," Crofoot said. "That means you have to ask for development."