By Crystal Britt
CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - Plans to bring a casino to Cape Girardeau continue to stir up those for and against the idea.
Friday afternoon casino supporters rallied together hoping to get your vote come election day
"If we don't seize this opportunity we may never have another one like it," said Danny Essner.
About 85
On the site of the old shoe factory, the stretch of land off North Main Street is where developers want to build a casino.
The Yes for Gaming Committee is mobilizing, and organizers say the rally sets the momentum.
"To gather the faithful together and get the folks excited about this", said Essner. "Let them know what's going on to enlist their support."
The property is lined with signs, and organizers are giving out free t-shirts and buttons. They're also getting supporters to sign up to volunteer.
"Want to do a lot of grassroots campaigning where we have folks talking to their friends and relatives," said Essner.
They say it's all about economic development, and hundreds of new jobs.
It's appealing to some Cape natives like Jackson Hill.
"I would love to work at the casino", said Hill. "When I worked in California I was a slot attendant and we were given really good benefits."
Some downtown business owners also attended.
"I wanted to see what transpired, and it's a much larger turnout than I expected," said Hunter Clark, owner of Broussards Cajun Cuisine. "I am hoping this will be good for the downtown area."
Representatives from Isle of Capri Casinos were also at the rally.
They released new photos detailing some of the proposed restaurants, and other features.
While supporters say it looks good on paper, they want to see it become a reality.
Again, voters in Cape Girardeau head to the polls on November 2nd where they'll vote yes or no in support of a possible casino.
The Missouri Gaming Commission would still have the final say.
Copyright KFVS 2010. All rights reserved.
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