Mayor of Branson unseated after eight years

Karen Best was successful Tuesday in her efforts to unseat Raeanne Presley after eight years as mayor of Branson — and Best said a recent April Fools' Day joke may have turned the tide in her favor.

"The citizens of Branson were hopeful," Best said in an interview with the News-Leader, referring to a recent prank pulled by British billionaire Richard Branson in which he claimed he would be bringing several of Virgin's operations to the city of Branson.

Best said Presley's appearance in a video related to the prank gave it legitimacy — enough that Best said people were calling her, excited about the new jobs and opportunities they believed to be coming to the city.

Best said the prank might have played a role in swaying voters who were undecided, but she believed many of them simply saw her as the best choice. The final vote count was 900 to 738.

"It was overwhelming to know 900 voters related to the vision I had for Branson," Best said.

That vision, Best said, is to create economic growth and development by proving to businesses like Google and Expedia that they belong in Branson.

By "rolling out the red carpet" for businesses, Best said the workforce of the city will grow, helped by Branson's vote to join the Ozark Technical College's taxing district.

Best also said a stronger focus on Branson National Airport was crucial to the city's future, as is creating think tanks with citizens of Branson.

"The best ideas come from stakeholders in the community," Best said.

Best said it was "very humbling" to follow in the footsteps of Presley, and she was happy Branson had two strong female candidates to choose from in the election.

Presley did not respond to a request for comment.