Wisconsin casino proposal removed from agenda after petition filed

Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2000 | 10:03 a.m.

The meeting Monday night originally had been called to authorize a resolution establishing the gaming site on the city's north side near U.S. 41.

But opponents presented a petition signed by 1,064 people calling for an end to talks with the Lac du Flambeau band of Chippewa Indians and the banning of the city from negotiating a gaming facility in the future.

Although the petition was not certified, Lambie removed the proposed resolution allowing gaming from the agenda.

"I believe it will kill a great economic opportunity for the city," Kaukauna Mayor John Lambie said. "But the people have spoken."

Hundreds of residents, most opposing the city's negotiations for a casino, water park and hotel at the site, turned out at the Municipal Services Building. The crowd was so large the meeting was moved from the council chambers to the Community Room.

"I have never been so disgusted with our city government in my whole life". It was a sneaky thing to do. I would like the councilmen to remember that you work for us," city resident Karen Brooks said of the special meeting.

Kaukauna resident Bill Schommer said he did not want his four children growing up in a community with a casino.

The mayor said the resolution was meant to "buy some time" in the city's negotiations with the tribe and the dog track's owners, Delaware North.

Some residents at the meeting said they wanted to see gaming in the city, and said the casino would provide jobs and tax relief.

"I don't understand. We vote these people in and then we don't trust their judgment," said Darlene Deering. "I don't see anything wrong with a casino in this city."

The petition now moves to the city's Legislative Committee meeting Aug. 14.

The committee can either recommend adopting the petition, which would effectively outlaw gambling in the city, or putting the issue to a referendum in either the Sept. 12 primary election or the Nov. 7 general election.