Our Lake area seems poised to see several economic development projects come to fruition. Although some may prefer to keep the Lake our little secret, change is inevitable. Having a variety of entertainment offerings positions our area as having something for everyone. With options of activities to fit a variety of interests and ages, residents and visitors alike have plenty to choose from, making the Lake a desirable and growing destination.
I have noticed though, that the mention of an addition of a casino at our Lake makes some people uneasy. I have some casual observations about casinos in general in similar small towns like Boonville and St. Charles. Both towns have seamlessly integrated a casino complex, including top-notch restaurants, a hotel, and a concert venue – and brought jobs and increased tourism to the area. Those casinos draw visitors year-round and are an economic welcome to the local economy providing financial support to the community’s fire and police departments, revenue for road improvements, and helping to fund parks beautification. I have been to both towns, walked from the quaint shopping district to the casino, had dinner and sometimes a bit of luck at the craps table and then walked back to my vehicle.
Which brings me to the Osage Nation and their desire to come back to their ancestral land to build a world- class casino. Osage Nation plans to enter into agreements with local agencies for law enforcement, fire, ambulance, and utilities for services at the casino. For these services, local governments, including municipal and county, are compensated in lieu of gaming taxes. My observation is that in good faith the Osage Nation has already made significant philanthropic contributions to our community, with over $160,000, to law enforcement and other first responders, local charities, youth programs, and community improvement projects. Kids’ Harbor, Citizens Against Domestic Violence, Lake Ozark Police Department, Miller County Sheriff’s Department, Lake Ozark Fire Protection District, Lake Area Youth Robotics, Osage Football League, and the Community Foundation of the Lake gladly took a donation from them last summer. Recent big gala event coordinators have asked Osage Nation for sponsorships. It appears that our community already sees this entity as a philanthropic business member and seems to accept their presence. They are committed to ongoing and long-term support of the Lake of the Ozarks community, and it is time we treat them as such.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jane Wright