Branson mayor seeks re-election

Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley yesterday made known her plans to run for re-election in the spring.

Serving as mayor 2007-current, Presley is asking for another two-year term when voters return to the ballot box April 7, according to a news release.

In the release, Presley said she would continue work spurring economic development and promoting tourism of the city.

“Residents who take pride in this area’s quality of life understand the importance of maintaining Branson’s success as a tourism destination through organization, vision and a commitment to the values that put Branson on the map,” Presley said in the release.

Among tourism moves, last year Branson saw an upswing of 2 to 3 percent in the industry. The city also is embarking on an $80 million streetscape project dubbed the Spirit of 76 to renovate its famous strip, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

Presley, who co-owns Presleys' Country Jubilee and Branson Visitor TV with her husband Steve, is past chairwoman of the Skaggs Community Health Center Board of Directors and a current member of the board for Cox Medical Center Branson.

Prior to winning her seat in 2007, Presley ran unsuccessfully in 1993 and 1995, according to SBJ archives.

Filing for Branson’s April 7 election begins Dec. 16, said City Clerk Lisa Westfall.