Wisconsin Indian leader denounces casino hearing as ‘a charade’

Tuesday, July 25, 2000 | 10:15 a.m.

"It is clear that this hearing is being directed by those who are not interested in environmental protection, but in a political agenda," said Lac Courte Oreilles Chairman Gaiashkibos.

Gaiashkibos accused the Minnesota-Wisconsin Boundary Area Commission of raising "ludicrous" concerns about the casino's environmental impact.

"We believe this commission has no jurisdiction relative to our economic project," he said.

The Commission has a different view.

It will submit testimony from the hearing to the U.S. Department of the Interior which is seeking public comment on the proposal by the Lac Courte Oreilles, Red Cliff and Mole Lake Chippewa to turn 55 acres at the St. Croix Meadows dog track into a casino.

The Interior department has asked for public comment as it seeks to determine whether a casino would be detrimental to surrounding communities.

A report prepared for opponents concluded a casino would increase traffic, noise and waste, and draw more boat traffic on the St. Croix River.

Gaiashkibos dismissed suggestions the casino might harm the river or strain the city's sewage-treatment capacity and gave commissioners the casino developer's report stating that the increased traffic would not hurt the community.

As he left, Gaiashkibos accused commissioners of singling out the tribes for scrutiny they haven't given other projects in the area.

But commissioners defended their role in getting public input and continued to hear testimony from opposition groups.