Mississippi Burton Responds to Tongue Lashing

Richard Burton, the Long Beach, Mississippi Alderman, finally spoke out against a very strong statements directed at his response to the outcome of the Long Beach casino referendum. 

Residents voted, in a non-binding referendum, last Tuesday on whether gaming should be permitted along the Long Beach harbor.  The outcome of the vote ended up being 54.7 percent in favor and 45.3 percent opposed. 

The statement targeting Burton’s response did not mince words.  “Richard Burton said the vote is ‘basically a tie.’  Well, he needs to remember it’s a large enough vote to get him voted out of office and that’s exactly what will happen next time if he doesn’t listen to the voice of the people.”

Burton’s response was just as firm and it was not exactly against casinos along the harbor.  “In my ward, Ward 3, there was only a 26-vote difference.  I have heard from three dozen people in the last two days that were unable to attend the vote whose absentee ballots did not arrive in time, even my own mother’s.

“To me, in my ward at least, it is a tie.  I have been given the responsibility to represent both sides.  Over that small of a difference, I don’t feel responsible to represent one side over the other.” 

Burton added an after thought, “Also, I stated before the election that if my residents overwhelmingly approved, I would approve.  Twenty-six votes is not overwhelming.”

For now, it is unclear whether the future of the Long Beach harbor will involve casinos, condos or both.  However, Burton is determined to reach a resolution that will satisfy a majority of the Long Beach residents. 

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