Pope County's local governing body postpones resolution over casino-related dispute.
The Pope County Quorum Court put off deciding whether or not to adopt a neutral position on Judge Ben Cross' request for them to support the commercial casino license awarded to the county through the 2018 Arkansas gaming referendum.
The Arkansas Supreme Court recently decided that the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) had erred in giving the Pope County casino license to a consortium involving the Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) and Legends Hospitality. The court ruled that Amendment 100, the referendum that authorized commercial casinos in Crittenden, Garland, Jefferson, and Pope counties, stated that the ARC could only issue a license to an experienced gaming operator applying as a single entity.
CNB and Legends filed their application together for a proposed $225 million project called Legends Resort & Casino in Russellville. However, Legends Hospitality does not have formal gaming experience.
This legal battle is part of a complicated, ongoing legal struggle over who should obtain the license, with CNB/Legends or Gulfside Casino Partnership. Gulfside is a Mississippi-based company with expertise in running riverboat casinos.
Cross Prefers Cherokees
Cross believes that the Cherokee and Legends plan is the optimal option for Pope County. After the state Supreme Court decision, Cross penned a revised letter of support for the Legends Casino proposal.
CNB and Legends may adjust their company structure to make CNB the sole applicant for the license. Given their long history of developing and managing casinos, CNB is equipped with significant experience in these endeavors.
According to Amendment 100, counties receive consideration for casino licenses only after getting a letter of support from the county judge or county quorum court. Cross appealed to the Pope Quorum Court justices on Thursday to pass a resolution stating their neutrality in the casino dispute.
The 13 justices of peace suggested postponing a decision on Cross' plea. The next gathering of the Pope County Quorum Court is scheduled for November 28, but it is earmarked for court budget considerations.
Cross' Commitment Questioned
Upon issuing his updated letter of backing for the CNB/Legends casino project, the county judge emphasized the urgency of quickly granting the gaming license to allow Pope County to start reaping the economic benefits of a casino. Cross insisted that the quorum court would not complicate matters by endorsing the Gulfside plan, as this was essential for ARC to think about the bid.
He declared, "They [Quorum Court] are not going to issue a resolution in support of anyone." But after their meeting on Thursday, the justices made the decision not to fully follow through on his pledge.
In December 2018, prior to him retiring, Judge Ed Gibson endorsed the Gulfside proposal with a letter of support. During a court session in January of this year, a lawsuit was won by the Cherokees, disqualifying the Gulfside plan as it lacked the required endorsement of the current county judge or quorum court.
The current county judge or quorum court is yet to give their backing to either project. Consequently, both the CNB/Legends and Gulfside plans remain in the running for the county gaming license.
Read also:
- Leipzig battles for top attacker Sesko.
- Tim Schreiber, victor in Bayern, joins Dresden's team.
- Uncovering the dietary guidelines of an 96-year-old celebrity.
- Gladbach's key players in their title pursuit!
Source: www.casino.org
