Competition will be worth the wait!

There’s another outstanding letter to the editor in this morning’s Kenosha News – check it out:

The casino will be worth the wait

A recent letter that suggested replacing the proposed casino with a “family resort,” retractable-roof arena and monster truck shows makes some points that must be countered with facts.

Let’s start with a blatant inaccuracy. The writer asserts that the two Kenosha casino referendums passed by only a small percentage. Not true. In 1998, voters endorsed the casino by a 14 percent margin; in 2004, the margin was 12 percent. Those familiar with politics will tell you that a margin of victory of 10 percent or higher is considered a landslide.

The writer also demands to know how much the casino’s nearly 3,000 jobs would pay. The Menominee Tribe has answered that question for years. According to the project Web site, the average entertainment center employee would earn $47,234, including benefits like health care, a 401(k) plan and dental and vision insurance. These are the kind of good-paying jobs with benefits we want in Kenosha.

Finally, the writer takes a shot at “out-of-state” funding for the project. The Mohegan Tribe, which has been part of the effort since its inception, should be applauded for its willingness to help Wisconsin’s Menominee Tribe and its commitment to Kenosha. To criticize Mohegan’s involvement would be like protesting Abbott Labs, Uline, Affiliated Foods and other non-Wisconsin businesses looking to build here. It’s desirable to have out-of-state companies invest in our community’s growth and success.

It’s clear the writer is unhappy with Kenosha. That’s unfortunate, because there are so many good things happening here. The casino will be another good thing — one that’s definitely worth the wait.

Tony Witkauskis
Kenosha

It’s great to see that citizen support for the Menominee project remains so strong – great, but not surprising.

After all, competition will bring thousands of good jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in other economic benefits to Wisconsin. And, as PricewaterhouseCoopers’ 2005 study showed, the expanded Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee would still see a $200 million-plus bump in revenue, even with competition from a new Kenosha entertainment center.

That’s good news for Southeast Wisconsin and the entire state – because everyone will benefit from a healthy, competitive marketplace.

Say “yes” to real casino competition in Southeast Wisconsin by signing our online petition.