(Spirit Lake)– The gambling debate in Dickinson county is heating up with slightly more than two weeks to go before the July 8th election.
Both sides of the issue have been holding public meetings this week to express their viewpoints.
One of the areas the two sides disagree the most is on economics. Bill Schaeffer, a gaming proponent, says gaming would result in the lakes area economy thriving on a year-round basis instead of just during the summer.
Mike May, a gambling opponent, feels just the opposite is true. May says it would ruin the goose that laid the golden egg. He maintains it would destroy some businesses and drive up property taxes through the additional infrastructure and public protection he says would be necessary.
Gaming proponents argue that isn’t the case. They say the number of businesses that would go under would pale in comparison to those that would benefit by having gaming in the area.
One person who spoke at a recent public meeting on gaming hopes controversy over the issue won’t permanently divide the community. Bob Shaw, a Spirit Lake businessman, says he’s worried over any long term effects the gambling debate may have on the area.
