Superintendents skeptical of Proposition A

Joplin-area school superintendents are skeptical of Proposition A, and well they should be. Their skepticism of the latest gambling industry scam is featured in an article in today's Joplin Globe:

Ron Lankford, superintendent of the Webb City R-7 School District, said although the proposition would send money to his district, he is adamantly opposed to the measure, that it is just another in a long line of issues that use the guise of education to benefit private companies.

“It’s about gambling, not about education,” Lankford said. “There is a hard sell to pass this initiative, and education tends to be an area that people are interested in, so they will vote ‘yes’ on it because they think it will help the schools.”

New Carthage Superintendent Blaine Henningson said local talk about Proposition A is strangely quiet. But with pamphlets bearing the photos of schoolchildren and the name of “The Schools First Initiative,” Henningson said he is concerned that voters will think it was originated from by schools.

“This is a gambling initiative,” he said. “Let’s call it what it is, let’s tell it straight up. If it passes, let it pass. But this sits wrong with me.”

It would have added to the complete picture on Proposition A if the Globe had noted the amount of money being spent by the casino industry, primarily Ameristar Casinos and Pinnacle Entertainment to pass this measure.

As I have noted in past Turner Report posts, the gambling interests have poured millions of dollars into the Yes on A committee.