Town debating casino plan

Monday, Aug. 9, 2004 | 11:05 a.m.

MOSS POINT, Miss. -- A decision by the Moss Point Board of Aldermen to consider the town as a casino location has garnered the support of some residents while others are skeptical casinos could benefit the community.

City officials want legislation changed that prohibits gaming on the Escatawpa and Pascagoula rivers and will soon ask the Mississippi Gaming Commission to lead the way by visiting the area.

Moss Point Alderman Shorty Middleton was appointed by his board to oversee the city's gaming efforts.

Casino revenue, he said, would greatly enhance educational opportunities in Moss Point, alleviating the tax burden while providing many good-paying jobs.

The Rev. Howard Bailey, president of Moss Point High School PTO, knows that additional dollars would greatly benefit the students of Moss Point but he still has mixed emotions.

"Are we ready for that?" he asked. "If it were guaranteed the money would go to the school system, it would help. If we don't do what we say with the money, we'd be in the same spot. I would like to see a study done on what other areas give to schools before a decision is made."