"The Mississippi Band of Choctaws propose a $375 million casino on 100 acres the tribe owns off Miss. 57 near Interstate 10. Choctaw Chief Phillip Martin has stated the tribe will respect the wish of Jackson County voters in a non-binding referendum.

County voters rejected gambling in a 1990 referendum. The Choctaw proposal for a casino-resort demands another poll of voters. Perhaps attitudes have changed since that 1990 vote. Harrison and Hancock counties diversified their economies by allowing gambling and possibly voters here want that. Ordinarily a $375 million tourism development would be welcome with open arms by any county. However, given the social concerns surrounding gambling, a decision by county voters is necessary for this Jackson County proposal.

State law allows referendums on gambling during presidential election years, which is 2008. The attorney general has cleared the way for a non-binding vote this year. Does anyone really want 19 more months of this gambling issue?

The plain fact is the supervisors seem to be stalling on the issue. If a referendum for November is called now it allows both sides of the issue plenty of time to present their best cases. Supervisors shouldn't delay action to settle this issue."

Get the Story:
Our Opinion: Board should call for vote (The Mississippi Press 3/19)
Related Story: Ministers won't push for gaming vote (The Mississippi Press 3/19)