Here is another example of local Russellville pressure five years ago during the public comment period for the new Arkansas Casino Gaming Rules.
January 2019
“Dear Racing Commission,”
“We are writing to you anonymously regarding the casino in Pope County. After several business owners in town wrote letters supporting the casino and their names were exposed by the Democrat-Gazette, they received backlash that could harm their businesses. A small group of people who are against the casino are working hard to intimidate those in favor of it. While we are not willing to include our names or businesses, we would like to share our opinions on the matter.”
“Arkansas has voted to increase the minimum wage and to build a casino in Pope County. These two things could potentially help each other. If my business receives a small increase in business from the casino, it would allow me to raise my employees’ wages. If we do not get the casino that was voted on, achieving higher wages for my employees would be much harder.”
“Raising wages is challenging for small business owners, but the prospect of a casino promises a glimmer of hope. It could make this situation far less difficult.”
___________________________
Notes:
- The letter has been rephrased to make the original writer less identifiable.
- It is thought that the ‘small group of people who are against the casino’ referred to in the letter are involved in the ballot question committee Local Voters in Charge’s current attempt to remove Pope County from Amendment 100.