Proposed casino causes rift among business leaders

KENOSHA (WITI) -- A new casino planned for Kenosha is causing a rift among the so-called "Milwaukee Seven," a seven-county economic development partnership that works to bring jobs to southeast Wisconsin.

Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman insists there's no ill will among members of M7. However, his signature is one of four at the bottom of a letter sent to Tim Sheehy, President of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.

The letter questions why Sheehy signed off on a letter to Gov. Scott Walker opposing Kenosha's Casino Proposal, saying his words were neither "regional" nor "cooperative," and run counter to the spirit of M7.

"We may have a little different perspective and they're representing the take the Potawatomi have on this. Perhaps the Potawatomi lose some business along the way but I think there's plenty of business for everyone," said Bosman.

FOX6 attempted to contact Sheehy on Friday, September 27th however no calls were returned. Bosman says the two talked earlier in the week and will agree to disagree on the casino without jeopardizing the M7 partnership.

Casino supporters are facing fresh opposition from State Senator Scott Fitzgerald who writes, "Any revenue generated by the Kenosha Casino would likely be nullified by a reduction in payments made to the state by the Ho-Chunk and Potawatomi."

"It's not a zero-sum game. I think there's jobs and business for everyone," said Bosman.

Governor Walker has the final say on whether the casino will be approved. He's previously stated that all 11 of Wisconsin's Sovereign Tribes must be in agreement in order for that to happen.

The Menominee Tribe, who would run the Kenosha Casino, has not been able to reach a deal with the Potawatomi and Ho-Chuck Tribes, which are currently opposed to the operation.