The Dane County Board Monday night approved a county-wide referendum seeking input on expanding the Ho-Chunk bingo hall in Madison to a full-fledged casino.
The issue will be put to voters on the Feb. 17 election ballot, the same day as the Wisconsin presidential primary.
The board agonized over the wording of the referendum in an effort to make it as neutral as possible while still providing voters with all the relevant information needed to decide whether the Ho-Chunk should be allowed to expand their Dejope Bingo Hall, 4002 Evan Acres Rd.
They voted 34-2 on the following wording after more than two hours of debate and several rejected amendments: \Should the Ho-Chunk Nation's DeJope Facility in the City of Madison, Dane County, be allowed to offer casino-style gambling if a portion of the revenues are paid to the City of Madison and Dane County?""
Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk hammered out an agreement with the Ho-Chunk, stipulating the nation would give the city $1.5 million in 2004 and then about $4.4 million each following year, provided the referendum passes. Payments to the county would average $3.5 million per year. The money could be used to offset any human service costs the city and county would have to pay as a result of the casino.
Board members were most divided over whether the wording should reference the revenues paid to the city and county. Some members said the wording would influence people to view the expansion positively.
""Adding extra language saying we're going to use revenue I think implies possibly a new meaning or different agenda,"" Sup. Mike Hanson, District 14, said.
Approximately 10 citizens spoke about the resolution before the board's debate. While many of the speakers urged the board to approve the most neutral wording possible, some also expanded their testimony to consider the pros and cons of gambling.
Former Dane County Sheriff candidate Adam Benedetto objected to the part of the agreement where the city and county would receive money from the expansion.
""I think we would be profiting off the poorest and weakest in the community,"" he said.
But Ho-Chunk Nation Vice President Wade Blackdeer said the Ho-Chunk provide services to help problem gamblers.
""We're pleased with this agreement and feel this agreement is going to be beneficial to everyone,"" he said of the deal with Falk and Cieslewicz.
