For more than a decade, my wife Kathy and I have been Pope County residents. In 2008, we moved to Russellville from Dallas to be near family, make new friends and begin the next chapter of our lives. We've purchased a home here and invested a considerable amount of time and effort into giving back to the community through volunteer service.
Together, we've strived to make the River Valley a better place for current families and future generations.
Unfortunately, our adopted hometown has recently had some intense infighting. Since last November, residents have gone head-to-head on Amendment 100, a constitutional amendment that authorized casino gaming at Southland in West Memphis and Oaklawn in Hot Springs, as well as in Pope and Jefferson counties.
Many of us have wondered, "Why Pope County?" We didn't ask for this. In fact, many of us, myself included, voted against it and signed a petition to put a local ordinance on the ballot for our own moral reasons.
But I'm a realist. Despite our wishes, Amendment 100 passed and is now part of the Arkansas Constitution. A casino is coming to Pope County whether we asked for it or not. My view is, if we're going to have to take this pill, let's make it as easy as possible to swallow.
Pope County should come together and consider which casino operator will best fit our needs and serve our community. Which one is truly committed to being a part of the River Valley? Who will offer us the highest-quality facilities, resort-style offerings and community-wide partnership opportunities? And, as importantly, who will give back to us in long-term economic impact and jobs?
I previously worked for 23 years as a crude-oil trader and for eight years in retail distribution. Through these jobs, I had the opportunity to travel across the country and see firsthand what a high-quality resort looks like. I know what types of amenities it takes to attract visitors from hundreds of miles away. I also understand what level of customer service is required to keep recreational and business guests returning year after year.
I believe that's what Gulfside Casino Partnership is offering us--not just a casino, but a first-class resort. Based on initial renderings I've seen, it would be a $250 million facility that would be built in three phases. It would include 300 hotel rooms, conference center, fine dining options, cafes, performing arts venue, gaming floor and more.
According to projections, when complete, "the proposed River Valley Casino & Resort would create more than 1,500 permanent hospitality jobs for a total payroll of $60.5 million." With more than $28 million in tax revenue expected from the project, Gulfside could also help offset some of the county's proposed tax increases that, if enacted, would otherwise be carried by Pope County residents.
Despite its naysayers, Gulfside has shown it's dedicated to the River Valley. If granted a license in the state, Gulfside's developers have pledged to establish the Pope County Education Foundation with a $20 million commitment. That's $1 million annually for the next 20 years for our local schools.
Additionally, Gulfside's developers have pledged to work directly with local community service organizations and nonprofits on quality-of-life initiatives.
Bottom line? Pope County residents, myself included, still aren't happy with the outcome of November's elections. But we can turn an unexpected and, frankly, unwanted constitutional amendment into a positive.
We've already heard of several businesses bypassing Pope County out of frustration. We have the opportunity to change the narrative by showing our support for Gulfside--a business with a proven track record that wants to invest in our citizens, our region's long-term economic growth and the betterment of our community.
------------v------------
A Pope County resident, Spud Westmoreland is an active member and former president of a Russellville civic club and vice president of a bi-state Kiwanis youth camp foundation.
Editorial on 06/06/2019