Raeanne Presley

Raeanne Presley sits down with SBJ contributor Carol S. Harris 4/23/2007 Raeanne Presley, 49, was sworn in April 9 as Branson's first new mayor in 12 years and the first woman to hold the position. Presley's public service includes 10 years on the Branson Board of Aldermen (1985–1995) and six years on the Missouri Tourism Commission (2001–2007), which she chaired for two years. Presley was the first female elected to chair the board of directors for Skaggs Community Health Center and was the founding chairwoman of the Skaggs Foundation, a fund-raising group on which she continues to serve. Presley recently completed two years as chairman of the board for the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport. She is a co-owner of Presley's Country Jubilee in Branson. How does it feel to be Branson's first female mayor? Certainly, I feel a bigger responsibility. I feel a real need to deliver on promises I've made. There are a lot of new things I need to learn at City Hall. … But it is still an honor. How are things the same or different this time around in city government? When I walked door-to-door in a core neighborhood, I was startled at how many people have moved here since the "60 Minutes" boom. How are these people integrated into the Branson community? Are we really thinking about how we are including them in the process of how we think about Branson in the next five to 10 years? You campaigned on the platform of "an open door policy" in city government. Why? What I heard was that people felt shut out of City Hall. It was very hard to understand how the city government and City Council made decisions. If you attended a council meeting, there was very little public discussion. I've heard many comments that there is not a friendliness at City Hall. How do you plan to change that? I (held) an orientation (April 12) called Branson City Government 101 (open to) anyone. I also want to instigate open biweekly council work sessions. That hasn't been done in the recent past. We're also going to mend fences with the county, the Branson schools and our neighbors. What are Branson's Top 3 issues that you want to address? 1. Finances. All of us need to look at the implications of the (tax increment financing). In the short term, I would not favor any additional TIFs. 2. The city's role in Branson's work force. This boom, created in part by the city, has left us with a lack of employees. 3. Establishing our focus. It's time for us to go back to our citizens, our visitors and businesses, and ask them, 'What comes next?' Branson aldermen have narrowly approved a 25-story hotel. Is the city ready for such a structure? I feel that whole issue was handled poorly. It should never have been about one project by one developer in a hurry. If we want to have a discussion about height, we should have a discussion through planning and zoning, and make a decision as a community. The tower was the last straw for a lot of people. I had only one person who said that it was a great idea. People felt like they were really ignored. What are your thoughts on local aviation projects? There are real limitations for expanding M. Graham Clark Airport. I've talked to the guys from Branson Creek for several years. They are always on the edge of getting ready to build. I think it will be difficult to have the number of flights and the pricing that they are proposing. But a runway and a terminal next to Branson is a good thing. What is your take on Branson's gambling debate? First, let me say I am absolutely against gambling. It will still come up. From the gambling industry's standpoint, they would love to have access to our large visitor base. As long as the local economy is strong, it won't be an issue with the citizens in our community. My fear is that if our economy weakens, some in our community will feel that gambling is an easy solution. It's been said affordable housing is an issue. What are your thoughts? There are several issues – housing, transportation, day care. We have a hidden population who are living in hotels and paying a weekly rental. I can't find out how many (local) employees we have and how many we need. We've been just hoping the free market works it out. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com