HOLLYWOOD · The question of whether slot machines should be allowed in South Florida's racetracks and frontons has forced a bitter split between two typically collegial entities: the city's elected officials and its chamber of commerce.
The Hollywood City Commission, failing to negotiate a cut of the anticipated profits from the slots, is vigorously campaigning against them, days before the issue goes to a vote Tuesday in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
The Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, meanwhile, is working just as ardently to see that slots are approved.
"It was a sound business decision in terms of increased business for Hollywood," chamber executive director Don Dalton said.
But Mayor Mara Giulianti is steamed, and wants to cut funds to the chamber's tourism budget.
"It was a slap in the face," Giulianti said at Wednesday's commission meeting. "I was just stunned at their ... lack of loyalty to the city."
Such disloyalty should not go unpunished, the mayor said.
"This year, I am not going to personally support grants for the chamber," she said.
City manager Cameron Benson concurred.
"It really is insulting," he said of the chamber's position. "I do not plan to recommend a budget for the chamber this year, and I don't plan to recommend a budget for the chamber for a number of years."
Hollywood, through its City Commission, Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency and Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, grants $300,000 a year to the chamber's tourism promotion wing.
Loss of those funds could affect "a very high level of sophisticated tourism services," Dalton said. "This is the only issue we ever had a parting of the ways on or a disagreement about."
But Dalton said the chamber's board of directors thinks its position is the right one financially.
"We're supporting commerce and business," he said.
The director said he hopes the rift will heal after the heat of the election.
"I'm hoping that all is well after all this is over with," Dalton said. "All this shall pass."
Robert Nolin can be reached at rnolin@sun-sentinel.com or 954-385-7912.