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Gov. Walker delays decision on Kenosha casino
Gov. Walker delays decision on Kenosha casino
MADISON (WITI) -- Gov. Scott Walker announced on Monday, November 11th it could be several more months before he decides whether to approve a casino in Kenosha.
Gov. Walker repeated he will approve a project that creates jobs in Wisconsin. But he also re-affirmed the criteria he set two years ago -- consensus among the state's tribes, community support and no net increase in gaming.
After touring the Veterans Administration Hospital in Milwaukee on Monday, Gov. Walker stepped back into the debate over the proposed casino in Kenosha.
"We're gonna back away, we're gonna take the time necessary, we're gonna take, probably many months to look through this. That's not inappropriate considering the nine years it took the federal government, for us to take something that will still be far short of that," said Gov. Walker.
The announcement seems to satisfy the parties involved.
The Menominee Tribe said of the governor's statement: “Today is another step forward for the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin in our efforts to create 5000 new jobs and achieve self-determination and financial stability for our tribe. We thank Governor Walker for his willingness to take the time necessary to chart a clear path towards final approval of the Menominee Hard Rock Kenosha Casino. We are committed to working with him and Secretary Mike Huebsch to make the casino a reality in the best interests for all of Wisconsin. The Menominee remain convinced that the casino will be an economic engine for Kenosha, just a few miles from the Illinois border, with 5000 new jobs. As part of a local hiring agreement, the Menominee Tribe has pledged that at least 10 percent of these jobs will go to Milwaukee residents. Thus, the casino will be a win for the tribe, a win for Kenosha and a win for the State of Wisconsin.”
The Potawatomi issued the following statement in reaction to the governor's statement: “We appreciate Governor Walker giving a thorough and deliberate evaluation of the Kenosha casino proposal to see if it meets the criteria that he set more than two years ago. Following his review, we expect that Governor Walker will find that this project does not meet his criteria and is not in the best interests of Wisconsin.”
Brian Nemoir from "Enough Already," a loud opponent of the casino plan, also expressed optimism after hearing the governor's decision to take more time.