Putting the "no" in casino: Gov. Walker says his rejection of Kenosha proposal is final

KENOSHA (WITI) -- Putting the "no" in casino. Governor Scott Walker, in no uncertain terms, says his rejection of the Kenosha casino proposal is final. But that's not stopping Kenosha-area lawmakers from trying to change his mind before the deadline Thursday, February 19th. This, as members of the Menominee Tribe continue their march to Madison.

As Governor Walker announced the arrival of Toolamation Services -- a company moving from Illinois to Wisconsin, outside the Kenosha factory, a group of union workers protested Walker's decision to reject the Kenosha casino proposal.

"This governor here is not thinking wisely," Dan Doperalski with the Cement Mason and Plasters Union said.

This group says the decision would send thousands of jobs back over the border.

"Right over that state line. The casino's going to wind up over there," Doperalski said.

These workers would have held some of the 10,000 jobs associated with the $800 million Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Kenosha. On Tuesday, outside Governor Walker's jobs announcement, they said it's hard to celebrate 50 jobs coming to town.

"I think it's a joke.  It's a slap in the face to southeastern Wisconsin," Sean Frank with IBEW Local 127 said.

In the crowd was Menominee Tribal Chairman Gary Besaw. He says he wants to meet with Walker before Thursday, February 19th. That's the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs' deadline for a decision on the proposed Kenosha casino.

"I'm making myself available. He still has time to reconsider this," Besaw said.



Inside the Kenosha factory, Governor Walker was joined by virtually every one of the area's elected officials, including Republican allies.

"I would have preferred the 10,050 jobs versus just 50, myself," Rep. Samantha Kerkman (R-Salem) said.

"It's disappointing.  It's really disappointing," Sen. Van Wanggaard said.

Rep. Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) called the casino decision the 800-pound gorilla in the room at Tuesday's jobs announcement.

"What he's saying does not add up. People are just extremely upset," Rep. Barca said.

Walker says he made the decision to reject the casino proposal to protect Wisconsin taxpayers.

"The facts are clear. When we issued our statement to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, that was our final decision," Governor Walker said.

"We're very disappointed.  I feel very bad," Besaw said.

About 50 members of the Menominee Nation are marching 155 miles to the Capitol in Madison to meet with Governor Walker. Walker said Tuesday he will not meet with them.

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