Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk agreed with the Ho-Chunk Nation Monday to allow DeJope Bingo Hall, 4002 Evans Rd., to expand to a complete casino under the condition taxpayers will not fund necessary renovations or additional city and social services DeJope may require.
Now, the future of DeJope rests in the hands of the City Council and Dane County Board, who must decide whether to include the expansion option on a Feb. 17 ballot. If this happens, voters will choose to permit or refuse the building plans.
According to County Board President Kevin Kesterson, the council and board will probably approve putting the referendum on the ballot by the Dec. 1 deadline, adding if they do not, Gov. Jim Doyle, instead of voters, will make the final decision.
\We have to hold the referendum or we [the people of Dane County] lose our rights to have any input,"" he said.
However, Kesterson could not speculate on what voters will do should the referendum appear on the ballot. He said while the addition would financially help the area, many voters may worry about adverse ethical and crime-related effects.
""You sometimes have problems that come along with gambling and I think that's what people are concerned about in the City of Madison. You could have problem gamblers,"" he said. ""A lot of people can become addicted.""
Yet the city would be assured $45 million over 13 years, with Madison receiving an immediate $1.5 million in 2004 if DeJope expands. The revenue would fund human services programs cut last year due to budget tightening. Such programs include one that helps the developmentally disabled and a self-esteem course which is aimed at guiding area prostitutes, among others, to improve their quality of life, Kesterson said.
Additionally, Kesterson said the expansion would result in additional jobs in the Madison area.
Sharyn Wisniewski, executive assistant for Falk, said she thinks the Ho-Chunk Nation would rather see the referendum go to voters than Doyle because they have presented a fair request that poses no threat to taxpayers.
At a press conference Monday, Cieslewicz said he agreed.
""I am confident that if Dane County voters decide they want casino gaming at DeJope, their financial interests will be protected,"" he said in a statement.
