Tribes and politicians react to Governor Walker's decision to reject Kenosha Casino

 Reaction is pouring in from Governor Walker's decision not to approve the Hard Rock Casino planned to be built in Kenosha.

The Forest County Potawatomi Tribe released the following statement:

Governor Walker and his Administration gave the Kenosha casino project a thorough review, and we agree with his determination that this project is not in the best interest of Wisconsin.”

In a statement released by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin said it is disappointed with Governor Walker's decision to say no to the proposed casino. The tribe says the project would have improved the lives of their nearly 9,000 members. The Menominee blame the Potawatomi tribe as a contributor to the Governor's decision to say no.

Governor Walker is blaming compacts negotiated by Governor Jim Doyle for his inability to approve the proposed casino. The deals insured no casino would be built in a community as close to the Potawatomi Casino as Kenosha.

The Menominee tribe says they will meet with Hard Rock International to discuss any options the Wisconsin tribe may have.

State Representative Tod Ohnstad (D-Kenosha) released the following statement: 

“It is hugely upsetting to hear the news of Governor Walker's decision to not approve the proposed Menominee casino in Kenosha. After twenty years of consideration and after the Menominee have offered solutions to every roadblock put up by the Administration, it is unfathomable and unjust that Governor Walker would turn his back on a project that would create so many family-supporting jobs throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

“The only thing that has changed since the latest amendment was proposed to the BIA safeguarding the taxpayers of Wisconsin is the petition by 600 right-wing voters in Iowa opposing the project. Clearly, Governor Walker's personal political ambitions have gotten in the way of a project that promised to transform southeastern Wisconsin. There is simply no legitimate explanation for turning your back on thousands of new jobs and the people of southeastern Wisconsin. With his decision today, Governor Walker has decided to discount and discard the interests of the people of Kenosha, of southeastern Wisconsin, and of Wisconsin as a whole.”

Speaker of the State Assembly Robin Vos (R-Rochester) released 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.\"