Pray for Bill Wells

Developer Bill Wells was injured in a car accident June 6 and is still in critical condition in a hospital in Chattanooga. Bill and Diane have done much for Cherokee County and have been active in the communities. I pray that he will recover fully from this accident and will return home as soon as possible. I encourage others to do the same.

The Alcohol Issue and Another Casino

I read the Cherokee Scout's coverage of the vote to approve alcohol sales in Harrah's Cherokee Casino. Angie Kephart, the incumbent Cherokee County/Snowbird Representative, said that the approval could delay the decision to place a Class II gaming facility in Cherokee County. She also said a new contract would have to be negotiated for a facility in Cherokee County.
Some clarification and questions arise from this.
For clarification, compact negotiations are only needed for Class III casinos, which is what currently exists in Cherokee. Class II, which is Bingo and some electronic games, does not need the governor's approval.
My question is why should the decision to allow alcohol sales in the casino in Cherokee delay expansion of gaming in Cherokee County? The two are entirely different and separate projects.
My other question is why hold off given that a Class II facility can be done now if the tribe really wanted to do it? The Seminoles in Florida have been operating Class II for years, without the approval of its governor, and their Class II operations have been quite lucrative.
The fact is tribal members could use the increased contributions to their per capita checks, and Cherokee County, which has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state, could use the jobs. In fact the tribe should be looking at potential gaming options in Snowbird as well. Graham County isn't much better off as far as employment opportunities go.
The time for delays is over.

Thank You Cherokee County and Snowbird

I want to thank Cherokee County and Snowbird for putting me through the primary and on to the general election this fall. I want to thank those who put their trust in me and cast ballots for me.
Our communities need a representative who can and will research the issues, understand the issues and use that knowledge to make an informed decision on the issues. Our communities also need a representative who will keep you informed, not just for the purpose of securing reelection, but just so you, the constituents, will be able to make sound decisions, take part in tribal services available and take part in our governing process.
Our communities also need a representative who will be open to feedback from you.
I can and will do that for you.

Vote Tomorrow

Please vote in tomorrow's primary. In Cherokee County and Snowbird voters will choose the top four to run in the general election in September and whether to allow the casino to serve alcoholic beverages. Regardless of your opinion, or who you support, please go to the polls and vote. Our future and democracy depend upon it.