Our View

Our View

Voters need to familiarize themselves with ballot measures

We’ve said it many times in the recent past and will continue to stress to all concerned Arkansans the importance of this upcoming presidential election.

As important as it is for all of us to do our part in deciding who will become our next president, those of us in Arkansas are reminded that there are some ballot issues, three of which are very controversial, that we feel very strongly about and should be soundly rejected.

As our state’s surgeon general has made it clear, as has Gov. Asa Hutchinson as well as scores of other state officials and medical experts, there is absolutely no proven medical significance to the use of marijuana as a form of treatment.

Proponents of these medical marijuana amendments, both of which are being backed by self-serving interest groups with deep financial pockets, claim their only purpose is to provide the opportunity for anyone with serious medical issues to have access to this alternative source of treatment.

These same promoters downplay the fact there is a tremendous ability for opportunists to make huge profits in the cultivation, distribution and sale of this substance.

The second controversial ballot issue voters should reject calls for casino gambling in Washington, Boone and Miller counties. For what it is worth noting, former Gov. Mike Beebe has now joined Gov.

Hutchinson and over 50 state lawmakers, both Republican and Democrat, in opposing this casino proposal.

Also backing the Committee to Protect Arkansas’ Values/Stop Casinos Now, are Southland Park Gaming and Racing in West Memphis and Oaklawn Racing and Gaming in Hot Springs.

We’re told if approved by voters, the casinos would be operated by three companies all owned by supporters of the ballot measures. Some of those involved are Missouri businessmen Jim Thompson and Bob Womack, Barry Sellers, an economic developer for hire and Robert Coon of Impact Management Group.

Beebe is making it clear a statewide vote on the issue would run counter to the state’s tradition of allowing local communities to decide whether to allow liquor sales. Beebe, a two-term and highly popular governor has opposed past casino legalization efforts.

In denouncing the casinos Beebe said, “This amendment would deny our cities, towns and communities the ability to decide for themselves what kind of community they want to live in. This loss of local control is why I am opposed to this amendment and would encourage voters to vote no on Issue 5.”

Adding to that comment, let us point out again that when the Arkansas constitution was amended to allow “games of skill” at Oaklawn and Southland it had to be finalized by Crittenden County and Hot Springs voters. Local control is absolutely something that would be non-existent if these casinos were allowed to operate in these three counties.

Then there is the question as to the unknown motives behind this endeavor not to mention any long term consequences. It is clearly plain and simple, responsible voters in Crittenden County should not hesitate to reject this casino issue as well as these ridiculous marijuana schemes.