It has been troubling to watch the progress of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, in partnership with Hard Rock International, march forward in plans for a new Kenosha casino. The project is planned for a spot west of Interstate 94 near Highway 50. It will include 1,500 slot machines, more than fifty table games, and the ability to make on-site bets on sporting events. To make the gambling more palatable, the site will feature restaurants, a hotel and a Hard Rock Cafe with live entertainment.
Not in My Backyard?
On January 3, the proposal was approved by the Kenosha City Common Council in an 11-6 vote. Common Council President Rocco Lamacchia said he had heard from a number of constituents prior to the vote, with about half in support and half in opposition. He ended up supporting the proposal. “It’s hard for me as an alderman to turn down the money that they say they're going to give us, 3% of sales, which could be anywhere from $3 million to $8.5 million a year. It’s hard to say no to that,” Lamacchia said. John Bush of the local group Citizens Against Expanded Gaming (citizensagainstgambling.com) commented, “Why do we have to rely on something that brings addiction, that brings negative consequences to bring union jobs? Why can’t we find something positive for the community? ...
