Send a message
The casino vote is the big topic around the county these days. There are groups who support the issue and those who don't. Each group can recite statistics and dollar figures, quotes from studies, and expound on the virtues of their positions.
If there's one thing folks around here can count on it's that Marion County residents can't agree on anything.
Such is the casino issue.
Some people are all in favor of a destination resort casino in Marion County. Others grouse and grumble, "Oh, we'll never get it. Marion County don't get nuthin'." Or worse yet, "It'll never happen."
They're right. That attitude won't get us anywhere. If we're already admitting defeat, we're just wasting our time trying to make this county prosperous.
Developers are smart people. They're quick to see which way the wind blows. A negative, defeatist attitude won't bring a bright, shiny new industry to town.
The results from the casino vote will send a message to developers.
If it passes, it sends the message we're a progressive county, open to new development opportunities. It says we welcome new businesses and residents with open arms.
If it fails, it tells developers we're happy with the status quo. We don't mind paying high taxes. We're not looking for development from outsiders.
Yes, developers are smart. They'll get the message. They'll either see the winds of change or the winds blowing dust over a ghost town. Which message will we send?
— DONNA BERNHARDT
