$70 Million in Tax Funds to be spent by Branson Leaders Tonight

Branson Leaders will pass a $70 million + deficit budget tonight which is the highest annual fiscal spending proposal in the history of Branson.

Branson Public relations Director Jerry Adams publicly stated when the first budget was proposed that the budget would be balanced.

In layman's terms, the budget is far from balanced. The deficit budget, more money being spent than generated is considered to be balanced according to city ordinance. Balance, as defined by city statute does not imply taxes spent are equal or less than taxes collected, but rather states that more money exists in savings than is being spent.

In other words: (Annual Incoming Taxes + Savings accrued )- (Annual Spending of Tax Dollars) = Balanced.

Prior to Raeanne Presley taking office the general fund savings reached $12,000,000. Currently the balance nears $3,000,000 and debate has ensued whether or not the floor should be lowered. The massive spending spree and perpetual deficit spending policies have abided for three years running.

The budget, which will be approved in hours was delayed due to Mayor Raeanne Presley's attempts to dishonor a contract with the Branson Airport.

Presley's extreme lack of integrity and promise to violate the terms of the agreement raised outrage by several local political entities including the League of Theaters, Hotel and Restaurant Association, Branson Chamber of Commerce and the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtor's.


Unique to Branson, the airport is the only international airport in the United States that doesn't take federal funds to operate. The Federal Aviation Administration's multi-billion dollar budget subsidizes air travel regardless of performance. While Presley has lauded the contract to National Press Outlets she has fought and budgeted $750,000 towards litigation including fighting against honoring the contract with the airport. Over the a three year period Branson's legal expenses have skyrocketed to $1.9 million.

Presley was on the Springfield/Branson airort, a competing entity when the contract was signed.

It is believed that the $260,000 is being set aside to make a payment to the airport after the budget was amended. The reduction of expenses includes an $150,000 for building demolition (which was never going to be used)and a political polling expense eliminated after protest from Alderman Cris Bohinc. Convention Center efficiency also helped decrease the expense.

Though not clear, the projected strategy assumed is that the $260,000 reduction is being used to pay 2010's debt that Presley has refused to pay.

Removing the barrier for past expenses not paid will reduce political pressure allowing the position of disregarding Branson's contractual obligation to continue with less public scrutiny.

City of Branson Offers Property on Low Traffic Auction Site

No reserve auctioneer Purplewave.com will sell Branson's surplus equipment according to a press release following an ordinance passed by city alderman. Why the low trafficked auctioneer was chosen is unknown; however, side deals with Branson's crooked mayor continue to abide. Business partner KY3 has been all too happy to help with the anti-integrity movement in Branson investing in the Mayor's private enterprises and issuing false reports on demand.

This week a clause promising Branson's intent to allocate appropriations was taken out of news reports despite overwhelming demand from local political and business leaders demanding Presley start honoring contractual obligations made by the city.

Presley has underhandedly offered millions to other interests including $800,000 to the Taney County Health Department before authorization from the board of alderman. Two years ago Presley promised a multi-million dollar handout to the geo-political entity would wean the city from the expense. Along with millions in assets contracts with the county and surrounding cities were handed to the tax supported entity. Presley's allocation of funds resulted in scolding from the city administrator and finance director during budget discussions. The money was promised after it was determined that the entity wouldn't be able to raise taxes as Presley helped plan. As part of the 2011 plan, fees will be raised and an additional health inspection will be required. Under the 2010 ordinance, restaurants receive 2 inspections, in 2011 they'll receive three.

The official release boasting of the contract from the little known auctioneer states:

The city of Branson is conducting another auction of surplus property on the Internet. The Internet auction runs now through December 1.

Items for sale include more than a dozen vehicles, computers, cameras, power tools, office equipment, fishing docks and many other items no longer needed by the city. More than 60 items on the auction block.

The city has contracted with Purple Wave Auction that specializes in Internet auctions. Bidders have the chance to view items, read descriptions and place bids from the convenience of their computers.

“This is a great opportunity for not only area residents and businesses but anybody, anywhere with a computer and access to the Internet to get some great bargains,” said Jerry Adams, Branson’s public information director.

Presley's "tertiary" relationship with the internet company is unknown.

Branson's Alderman Attempts to Dishonor Airport Contract Thwarted

The community responded with outrage as an effort led by Mayor Raeanne Presley to dishonor an agreement with the Branson Airport was met with a backlash from the public including several lobbying groups that have formerly backed Presley.
Instead of paying the owed bill, Branson Alderman have slated over $750,000 for attorney fees to dishonor an agreement which Branson's mayor fought against as a member of a board of directors working for a competing airport.
The devastating economic effects of dishonor and lack of basic integrity displayed by Presley have finally caused a turn of tides from those in the community that believe basic values should be honored.
For most in Taney County, a handshake and a man's word are important. Branson's Mayor needs to realize that continued deception will not be tolerated. (Coverage to Continue)

Branson's Leaders Play Hide the Money From the Public

Branson City Officials don't want any scrutiny and have taken firm action to prevent media outlets from obtaining information about a $4,000,000 dollar expense marked as a line item for the mayor and Branson Board of Alderman gifted in 2008.

For six weeks, during three open meetings, the Mayor and Board of Alderman have received requests for all documentation regarding the unusually large line item graphed above.

Since taking office, under Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley watch, over $10 million in cash reserves have been drained opposing a positive cash flow trend of preceding administrations.

While Branson's economy and tax base has seen huge gains, unusual spending patterns have prevailed. Presley has been using public funds for a variety of new expenses which include political polling and an upcoming plan which will enable the Mayor to serve a "presidential length term". Offical business, usually handled by department heads is commonly routed to the mayors personal communication lines.

Currently, the mayor serves a two-year term, under the new plan, the mayor will serve a four year term and extended authority not currently allowed by law.

A record $1.7 million has been spent in litigation (this includes fiscal 2011 projections) over the past three years, outside of the city's staff legal counsel. A new legal structure states that Branson Legal expenses can be used to support the mayor and board privately as opposed to the corporate interests of Branson.

Sunshine Law violations, including a rejection of information regarding the expense above have are consistent, common and have been an effective tool in blocking public access to the methods Presley is using when determining where public funds should go.

Commercial 1 Broker's blog post written by Bob Huels begs , "Where's the Money?", noting Presley has been vagrantly violating state law without recourse to block exposure to the lack of integrity demonstrated by Branson's top city official.

Since taking office all department heads with the exception to two have been fired to bringing a team loyal to the mayor personally.

Presley is a business partner with KY3inc and is engaging in fiscal transactions with media outlets that currently cover Branson as opposed the the journalistic imperative that the press should be serving the public. One reporter suggested their were extreme financial consequences of challenging the administration begging his/her name stay off the record.

On Thursday November 4th, a physical copy of the request was brought to city hall, Branson officials stated that access to Branson City Hall would be denied to the public information office due to the fact an escort was not available.

The threat of terror to businesses, press outlets and citizens who ask for answers has been an effective means of blocking challenges to an administration writhe with corruption birthing devastating financial consequences to future generations.

Though these question and violations to the state constitution will be challenged, Presley's lack of honor to the veterans who have fought and died for freedom which includes the right to a free press has been an effective means of slowing publications.

Media Outlets interested in obtaining nformation regarding the denied equests can call (417) 268-7880.

Taney County Election Results

Election Summary Report


TANEY CO. MO

GENERAL ELECTION

Summary For Jurisdiction Wide, All Counters, All Races 11/02/10

21:08:14









Reported Precincts

Absentee

Boston Center

Bradleyville

Branson 1

Branson 2

Branson 3

Brown Branch

Bryant

Cedar Creek

Forsyth 1

Forsyth 2

Kirbyville

Hollister 2

Hollister 3

Kissee Mills

Merriam Woods

Mt Branson

North Branson

Protem

Rockaway Beach

Skyline

Taneyville

Registered Voters 30726 - Cards Cast 14389 46.83% Num. Report Precinct 23 - Num. Reporting 23 100.00%



U.S. SENATOR

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 14259



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ROBIN CARNAHAN DEM 3161 22.17%

ROY BLUNT REP 10249 71.88%

JONATHAN DINE LIB 453 3.18%

JERRY BECK CST 388 2.72%

Write-in Votes 8 0.06%





STATE AUDITOR

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 14037



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



SUSAN MONTEE DEM 3773 26.88%

TOM SCHWEICH REP 9690 69.03%

CHARLES W. BAUM LIB 567 4.04%

Write-in Votes 7 0.05%





U.S. REP DIST 7

Total

Number of Precincts 16

Precincts Reporting 16 100.0 %

Times Counted 10361/23398 44.3 %

Total Votes 10188



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SCOTT ECKERSLEY DEM 2460 24.15%

BILLY LONG REP 7158 70.26%

KEVIN CRAIG LIB 545 5.35%

Write-in Votes 25 0.25%





U.S. REP DIST 8

Total

Number of Precincts 12

Precincts Reporting 12 100.0 %

Times Counted 4028/7328 55.0 %

Total Votes 3933



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TOMMY SOWERS DEM 1049 26.67%

JO ANN EMERSON REP 2585 65.73%

RICK VANDEVEN LIB 139 3.53%

LARRY BILL IND 154 3.92%

Write-in Votes 6 0.15%





STATE REP DIST 62

Total

Number of Precincts 8

Precincts Reporting 8 100.0 %

Times Counted 5631/12773 44.1 %

Total Votes 4791



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DONALD E PHILLIPS REP 4714 98.39%

Write-in Votes 77 1.61%





STATE REP DIST 142

Total

Number of Precincts 6

Precincts Reporting 6 100.0 %

Times Counted 1814/3518 51.6 %

Total Votes 1710



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RAYMOND (RAY) WETER REP 1465 85.67%

BRADLEY W. STUBBS LIB 241 14.09%

Write-in Votes 4 0.23%





STATE REP DIST 143

Total

Number of Precincts 18

Precincts Reporting 18 100.0 %

Times Counted 6944/14435 48.1 %

Total Votes 6594



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



LYLE ROWLAND REP 4884 74.07%

MICHAEL CHIPMAN IND 1700 25.78%

Write-in Votes 10 0.15%





ASSOC. CIRCUIT JUDGE DIV I

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 12379



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



TONY W. WILLIAMS REP 12194 98.51%

Write-in Votes 185 1.49%





ASSOC. CIRCUIT JUDGE DIV II

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 12281



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



JAMES K. JUSTUS REP 12140 98.85%

Write-in Votes 141 1.15%





PRESIDING COMMISSIONER

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 13785



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



RON HOUSEMAN REP 8534 61.91%

DAVID G. TATE IND 5206 37.77%

Write-in Votes 45 0.33%





CIRCUIT CLERK

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 12488



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



BRENDA KAY NEAL REP 12386 99.18%

Write-in Votes 102 0.82%





COUNTY CLERK

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 12147



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



DONNA NEELEY REP 11958 98.44%

Write-in Votes 189 1.56%





RECORDER OF DEEDS

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 12320



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



ROBERT A. DIXON REP 12232 99.29%

Write-in Votes 88 0.71%





PROSECUTING ATTORNEY

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 12405



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



JEFF MERRELL REP 12276 98.96%

Write-in Votes 129 1.04%





COUNTY AUDITOR

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 12128



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



RICK C. FINDLEY REP 12007 99.00%

Write-in Votes 121 1.00%





COLLECTOR

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 12666



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



SHEILA L. WYATT REP 12573 99.27%

Write-in Votes 93 0.73%





MO SUP JUDGE FISCHER

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 12164



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



YES 9050 74.40%

NO 3114 25.60%





APPEALS JUDGE BARNEY

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 12064



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



YES 8796 72.91%

NO 3268 27.09%





APPEALS JUDGE BURRELL

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 12065



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



YES 9101 75.43%

NO 2964 24.57%





AMENDMENT 1

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 13437



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



YES 10783 80.25%

NO 2654 19.75%





AMENDMENT 2

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 13698



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



YES 9465 69.10%

NO 4233 30.90%





AMENDMENT 3

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 13977



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



YES 12659 90.57%

NO 1318 9.43%





PROPOSITION A

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 13738



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



YES 11108 80.86%

NO 2630 19.14%





PROPOSITION B

Total

Number of Precincts 23

Precincts Reporting 23 100.0 %

Times Counted 14389/30726 46.8 %

Total Votes 14109



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



YES 6238 44.21%

NO 7871 55.79%