Gov. Walker speaks out on proposed Kenosha casino



KENOSHA (WITI) -- Governor Scott Walker spoke on the proposed Kenosha casino Friday, October 18th for the first time since he met with Wisconsin tribes earlier in the week.

The Governor alone will make the decision on whether or not the Menominee Nation can build the casino, but would like all of the state's 11 tribes to give their blessing before signing off on it.

This week the Oneida Nation jumped on board, saying they would support the new casino -- however Potawatomi and Ho Chunk are still opposed.

"The announcement about the Oneida gives me hope that meeting initially was successful," said Gov. Walker. "The Potawatomi and Ho Chunk both have reports that would show the potential of them losing thousands of jobs because the reduction of revenues that a site in Kenosha would cause."

Gov. Walker says there's plenty of hard work ahead in persuading the leaders from the two opposed tribes remaining against the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

"I won't give up on the possibility that we can come to some agreement," said Menominee Chairman Craig Corn.

Corn is optimistic that he can change the minds of the Potawatomi and Ho Chunk tribes. Gov. Walker believes he can use the Oneida Nation as a blueprint for what needs to happen.

"Some of the things they announced in their arrangements with Menominee give them away financially to offset that. If that could be done with the others I think that would go a long way toward garnering their support," said Gov. Walker.

If the casino is built, the Oneida will have a role in Menominee's banking services, marketing strategies and future business associations.

"This is a business relationship. It's not a revenue sharing relationship. It does not contain a payout from the profits," explained Oneida Chairman Edward Delgado.

In order for the proposal to move forward there must be consensus among all 11 tribes as well as the City of Kenosha. Gov. Walker says he plans to make his decision by Tuesday, October 22nd.