Gov. Walker meets with tribal leaders on proposed Kenosha casino

MADISON (WITI) -- On Wednesday, October 16th, Gov. Scott Walker met with tribal leaders regarding the proposed Kenosha casino. Gov. Walker on Wednesday met with leaders of the Menominee, Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk and Oneida tribes.

The Menominee Tribe hopes to build a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino at the former Dairyland race track.

The Menominee Indian Tribe has gained ground on the proposed Kenosha casino after an announcement last week that it will partner with the Seminole Tribe for a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Governor Scott Walker will ultimately make the decision whether or not the proposal will move forward. The Governor has previously stated he will only sign off if there’s a mutual consensus among all 11 Wisconsin tribes.

Wisconsin residents have differing opinions on bringing a new casino to Kenosha.

“It’s jobs, and Kenosha lost everything. They lost Chrysler, the dog track, so hey, I think it’s a good idea,” said Charles Brooks.

“At the end of the day you can’t be distracted by shiny objects. That’s really what this is,” said Brian Nemoir of Enough is Enough, a group against the proposed casino. “I think the proliferation of gaming in Wisconsin has come to an end.”

Although Gov. Walker is optimistic about the proposal, he is still looking for the Potawatomi and Ho-Chunk Tribes to get on board.

In a statement Wednesday, a Department of Administration spokesperson said:

“Today’s meeting with Governor Walker, Secretary Huebsch and the concerned tribes was to hold a discussion between the tribes and the Menominee Nation about the proposed casino.  The Governor reaffirmed the three criteria that need to be met before the 60 day deadline of October 22, 2013.”

A Potawatomi spokesperson released the following statement:

"The discussion at (Wednesday's) meeting with tribal representatives and Gov. Walker was private, and out of respect for that, we will not be issuing any further comment."

Gov. Walker has set up a 60-day window for the Menominee Tribe to gain consensus, ending on October 22nd. If the project is approved, Hard Rock plans to open by 2015.