Missouri's failures

Missouri, like many other states, embraced Slot Barns to solve its problems.

Mayor Henry Rediger apparently never considered the economic failures of Niagara or Atlantic City or Las Vegas. Not to worry! His failures will become apparent when he's out of office.

At least they're more honest than Beacon Hill about the job creation and revenue numbers --

lure of 450 new jobs, $20 million in state revenue

Casino coming to Cape

The news came Dec. 1 from the state capital. The Missouri Gaming Commission had selected Cape Girardeau over its big-city competition in St. Louis and Kansas City for the state's 13th -- and final -- gambling license. The announcement meant Isle of Capri could begin construction of its $125 million casino in a blighted area near the city's downtown.

The St. Louis-based Isle of Capri had already beaten other casino companies to build in Cape Girardeau over the course of the year. It also had competition from an oppositional group that worried about gambling addiction and increases in crime. Casino proponents also had to convince the city's voters, with 61 percent of those deciding Nov. 2 that the lure of 450 new jobs, $20 million in state revenue and a downtown business anchor outweighed any possible drawbacks.

Isle of Capri executives are busy with its development plans and hope to have construction underway this summer and the casino completed in 18 to 24 months. The development is expected to change the shape of the area, with several dilapidated homes slated to come down and a portion of Main Street realigned.

Mayor Harry Rediger, elected in April, called it "a game changer."