Branson's Commercial1Brokers Pays Price For Political Speech.

A sign begging the question to those who voted for Barack Obama asking, "Are you embarrased yet?" didn't generate a great deal of direct interaction from the public until KY3inc. published a story on the matter.

Owners Bob Huels and Steve Critchfield received a barrage of phone calls, death threats and a variety of taunts with language not listed in standard dictionaries. In response, Bob Huels penned a post titled, "The Billboard"

The consequences of political speech are often high for businesses and it's uncommon that even a week goes by where I don't here the words of a citizen begging to keep their opinion off the record. After all, they're scared about what the repercussions might be.

The generic word "corruption" seems to have lost meaning but a recent Forbes article, "The New American Corporate State" elaborates on the type of corruption that kills free enterprise and the reason why many businesses are afraid to excersize their constitutionally protected right to speak out when government bodies breach public trust with unholy bonds to private business entities. Unfortunately this trend isn't just occurring in Washington but has infiltrated the policies of Branson's Board of Alderman.

Commercial 1 Brokers made a conscious decision to broadcast a political opinion.  They estimated the cost to their private business for making a conservative stance. Although the billboard on 65 is highly visible, they also serve the community by challenging infringement on private property rights that has been occuring since an anti-business and anti-free market business owner took control of Branson City Hall.

It's been said that the true mark of a man is what he does when no one is looking. Without knowledge of whether a petitioner is Republican or Democrat, Huels makes a point to stand up against anti-business matters at Branson City Hall. In fact, he's the only person who regularly attends Branson's Planning and Zoning meetings serving as a watchdog against overreaching and often illegal legislation.

As for allegations that Commercial1Brokers political statement is racially motivated, when Branson's board of Alderman voted to disallow a black performer (Nelly) from singing outdoors; Huels was one of six citizens with the courage to stand against the unfair infringement on property rights.

District 7 Democrat Congressional Candidate Tim Davis in front of painting of Republican Presidents playing cards at Commercial 1 Brokers office in Branson

Branson Profile: Curtis Copeland

Curtis Copeland

Branson Alderman Final Candidate List

 

Ward I
Stan Barker (Uncontested)

Ward II
Jack Purvis (Incumbent)
Cris Bohinc
Includes Historic Downtown Branson and Branson Landing

Ward III
Marc Williams
Rick Davis
Includes wealthiest residential housing in Branson. Both contenders live in Pointe Royal, the only gated community in Southwest Missouri whose charter denies "Registered Offenders" housing.

***
The post was edited after a correction sent by Mayor Presley. Each of the three districts have two representatives. Current alderman Stephen Marshall lives in Pointe Royal but neither of the two contenders for the open position live in the gated community.

Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley - Birthday Party

Friends of Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley have come up with an interesting way to celebrate her 50th birthday. Friends, colleagues, and residents of Branson are invited to share in her special day this Monday, October 29th, at Catina Laredo Mexican Restaurant, at the Branson Landing from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Instead of gifts for her, Presley, has asked that guests bring toys. Those toys will be donated to to charitable organizations in the Tri-Lakes area that will distribute them to children in need this Christmas. Organizers are hoping to collect at least 50 toys, one for every birthday the Mayor has celebrated.

'To honor Raeanne’s perennial ‘young-at-heart’ disposition as well as her dedication to serving our community, we would like guests to show their support for our area’s kids,' says organizer Ann McDowell.
For more information, or if you are unable to attend but would like to donate a toy, please call Tracey Barton at (417) 335-7357.
(by Kathee Baird)

Jory Roars - First Ammendment Please

Jory Rolf is the minister who runs Action Impact Ministries (AIM)which he started with his wife in 1998.
At Branson's last two city council meetings Rolf, accompanied by Salvation Army Captain Ron Keys, challenged aldermen on the issue of alcohol and the Branson Landing. Rolf's first challenge regarded the environment of the "town square" and the message given to tourists as patron's mingle with open containers in hand.
After council moved to hire outside counsel and form a citizens committee on alcohol, Rolf challenged Rick Huffman on both moral and first amendment grounds. Rolf begged the question, "is he legally allowed to protest at the Branson Landing?"
What he really wants is for the youngsters he pastors to have the opportunity to minister from the landing stage through song, mime and interpretive dance.
The issue raised by Landing management at one point regarded an interpretation of the World Trade Towers collapsing which ex-Branson Landing manager Linda Antus felt emotionally moved by.
Rolf's ministry includes a large percentage of home-schooled children who commune with other kids their age through church gatherings. Rolf conjured a post which he read in part to Branson's political leadership.
The question raised by Rolf about his right to protest tickled a laugh from Mayor Raeanne Presley.

Comment:
We ask, "How offensive can a mime be?" Will an effort begin to take back Sundays at the waterfront? If Jory were here, he'd want you to read this: <7 Truths>

Charlie Gerken Joins Branson Chamber Board of Directors

Congratulations to Charlie Gerken aka "Kid Future" for a successful bid for a seat on the Branson Chamber of Commerce board of directors. Gerken beat out some major players in town to gain the coveted seat. Good to see some youngsters joining the ranks of Branson's leadership. We wish you continued success and prosperity!