The most heated input during Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting came from the public. In front of a standing room only crowd, emotional citizens weighed in on the pending ISA agreement with the proposed Buena Vista Casino, an issue that has struck a nerve center in this small county. The language of public comments ranged from reflective to accusatory to the reading of legal documents. Frazier West, a self described, “old marine”, said the casino, “is going to cost the county a hell of a lot more money in the long run.

The environmental issues alone are overwhelming.” In a prepared statement, Mary Lambert said, “I do not believe that particular (land) parcel will meet the needs of a money making casino.” Jill North said, “I was disappointed to sit through a 3 and half hour meeting last week to have three members of the board read prepared statements.” In what became a comic interlude to the tense discussions, Jerry Cassesi spoke to Supervisor Ted Novelli, who was on vacation in Belize and participating via teleconference. “I have this vision of you relaxing in a speedo with a drink in your hand,” said Cassesi. When Novelli did not respond, Cassesi said, “I think my vision is right.” In response to an earlier statement by the Supervisors that they had received threats, Cassesi said, “There is no one I know who would condone a threatening phone call or note.” A tearful Noel Stewart began with a Celtic quote before saying, “We stand before the world. Perhaps we only stand against one woman but we also stand against a bankroll.” The only citizen who spoke in support of the agreement was Gary Colburn of Ione. “I am a total optimist,” said Colburn. “I believe the day will come when many of those people in Buena Vista will look back and say, I didn’t think about how good this was going to be.”