"I was hoping for a different outcome:" State lawmakers react to decision to reject Kenosha casino plan
KENOSHA (WITI) -- State lawmakers who represent the Kenosha area where the casino would been built are not surprisingly unhappy with Governor Walker's decision to reject the proposed casino.
Both the democrats and republicans FOX6 News spoke with echoed the same feeling of disappointment. Not just for the Menominee Tribe, but for the workforce in southeastern Wisconsin and residents in the state as a whole.
"We had hoped the decision would have been different. When you look at the jobs by Menominee and the developers in Kenosha, I think they have created an excitement and an expectation that this project was going to proceed," said Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.
An expectation that now will continue to fruition.
"I was hoping for a different outcome," said Vos.
One of the biggest champions of the Kenosha casino project, Representatie Samantha Kerkman, got emotional after hearing Governor Scott Walker rejected the project.
"Even once in a while, even someone you're friends with gets it wrong and this is a prime example," said Kerkman.
On a phone conference, Assembly Democrat Leader Peter Barca also criticized this move.
"I feel this is an economic mistake of colossal proportions, thousands of citizens. It's heartbreaking for our community who worked so hard to try and make this happen," said Barca.
They're disheartened at the thought that 10,000 plus jobs could have been created because of the project. Along with giving a jolt to the economy.
The governor said the risk to state taxpayers as well as a long-term hit to the state budget, were too great. But some lawmakers feel it was a risk that should have been taken.
"I think the Menominee did everything, I am disappointed that we didn't take a chance of allowing this project to succeed. I think they probably could have generated enough revenue," said Vos.
But speaker Robin Vos also points out to past leaders for this deal breaking down.
"I think that from the fact that Governor Doyle signed a sweetheart deal which would guarantee payments to the Potawatomi was a stumbling block from day one," said Vos.
Many state leaders definitely feel like this was a missed opportunity. But they did also point out other positive ventures in the works.
They predict about 5,500 new jobs will come to the Racine/Kenosha area from companies like Uline, Amazon and Emco just to name a few.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R - Rochester) issued the following statement:
“I am extremely disappointed in Governor Walker’s decision today. This is a huge loss to the Racine and Kenosha area. We all have a right to be angry and frustrated that we will not gain thousands of jobs, and an $800 million development will be lost.
“Unfortunately, we really have one person to blame, and that is Jim Doyle, for forcing the state into this no-win situation.”
Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca (D - Kenosha) issued the following statement:
“This is an economic mistake of colossal proportions. Thousands of people will stay on unemployment lines versus being employed and paying their taxes. These are jobs at no cost to taxpayers and it is absolutely heartbreaking to turn them away.
“As far as I can tell, this is the largest economic opportunity ever passed up by a governor in any state. Gov. Walker is turning down not only up to 10,000 good-paying jobs but also millions of new tourists and other significant economic development opportunities associated with this project – something that on a total bipartisan basis business leaders, local elected officials, community leaders and the citizens of Kenosha and Racine counties have recognized for years.
“Even though Wisconsin still lags behind our neighbors in job creation, the governor continues to show a complete lack of leadership and urgency on creating jobs, growing wages, closing the skills gap and making good on his economic promises to the people of Wisconsin. And instead of helping to make the Kenosha area a recreational destination point for the entire Midwest, we will now likely see these benefits go across the border to Illinois, where leaders recognize the positive economic impact of a project like this.
“I can’t help but wonder if the recent opposition of many Iowa conservative leaders played a role in the governor’s decision. If so, Gov. Walker has once again prioritized his own presidential ambitions over creating jobs and restoring economic opportunity in our state. The governor can no longer claim jobs and tourism are his top priorities, but perhaps pleasing Iowa conservatives are.
“The Menominee Indian Tribe showed a willingness to compromise and work together to make this project a reality. And an international developer with a proven track record signed on to help make this project a success. This project met every one of the Governor’s ridiculous criteria and yet he still turned it down.
“Given all the hard work put into this project, the strong investments made by key stakeholders and the overwhelming local support, the fact that Gov. Walker couldn’t bring people together and find a way to get to yes is a painful failure of leadership that hurts the hopes of thousands of citizens, many of whom had already filed their job applications.”
Wisconsin State Senator Van Wanggaard (R - Racine) issued this statement:
“While I respect the Governors decision to reject the Kenosha Casino, I believe this is the wrong choice for Kenosha, Racine and Wisconsin. This is especially true given the Menominee’s agreement to indemnify the state for lost revenue.
“Governor Doyle and his sweetheart compact with the Potawatomi have killed the largest private investment in Wisconsin history. This has cost the state over 1,600 jobs and a projected $1 billion in revenue. I will meet with my colleagues in the coming days to evaluate the situation and discuss what options we have to prevent this from occurring in the future.
“The good news is that the 21st Senate District is seeing an economic boom, and the area will continue to prosper even without a casino.”
Rep. Joe Sanfelippo (R - New Berlin) issued this statement:
“While I am disappointed that Governor Walker was unable to approve the Kenosha casino, I want to recognize and thank him for placing the best interest of Wisconsin’s taxpayers first and foremost in this deliberative process.
By not taking the easy way out of approving the casino now and leaving a mess for some future Governor to clean up as his predecessor Gov. Doyle did, Governor Walker has proven what I have known him to be all along; a man of great honor and integrity.”