(Arnolds Park)– The Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum’s board of directors isn’t going to take a stance for now atleast over the possibility of riverboat gaming coming to the Iowa Great Lakes.
In a meeting that went on for hours Saturday, the museum’s board of directors voted unanimously to remain neutral, but to continue to monitor the issue. In adopting the motion, several board members said it was important the language not shut out any possibility of future involvement by the board if a gaming resolution is approved by voters. A petition calling for such a vote is currently making the rounds in Dickinson county.
Board members heard Saturday from both sides of the issue. Wes Arikey of the Iowa Gaming Association said gaming would make the Iowa Great Lakes more of a year-round destination.
But some were concerned over the perception and possible implications the board would face if it came out in favor of gaming. Mike May of Spirit Lake, who owns a lakes area resort, is an opponent of gaming. He warned board members any movement by them to support local gaming would go against the organization’s mission of protecting the Iowa Great Lakes.
After further discussion, the board adopted a motion that states “the people of Dickinson county should educate themselves on if they want gaming in the area. The Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum won’t take a position pro or con at this time, but will continue to monitor the issue”.
Saturday’s meeting marked a major change in philosophy for the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum Board. They voted to open their quarterly meetings to the public and media. Those meetings in the past had been conducted behind closed doors.
