Special election will be held: Voters will decide fate of casino
Staff reporter
Marion County Commission took a breather from the action Monday during a 10-minute break after hearing from both sides of the casino issue.
When the meeting reconvened, the motion passed unanimously to remain in the game, and allow Marion County residents to have a say about gambling.
Some county residents had requested the commission reconsider their action of funding a non-binding referendum in a special, mail-in election to determine if the majority of county residents want to allow a casino, and other businesses associated with a casino, to be developed in the county.
Commission chairman Bob Hein had invited Wichita developer Bob Knight to a commission meeting to discuss the issue.
It was determined that a special election needed to be held prior to the legislative session that starts in January.
"I wouldn't be here if I didn't think there was some possibility (of legislature passing a bill)," said Knight. "If it's going to happen, it will happen this session."
At Monday's meeting, Knight returned to assure the commission and residents that it was likely the legislature will act this year on a casino bill with consideration being given to those counties that had already held a referendum election.
He apologized to the commission for not being available because he was out-of-town.
Knight said he couldn't make any guarantees that if Marion County passes the referendum the destination casino would be located in the county. However, if Marion County does not have a referendum, it will not be considered.
Commissioner Dan Holub said he didn't mind competition but wanted a fighting chance.
"I believe in the democratic process," said Knight. "If counties vote no, why would I want to invest a quarter of a billion dollars in a development there?"
Analyses have not been completed, said Knight.
"I don't have any secrets," Knight said. "I'm not playing Marion County against Sumner or Harvey counties."
Previous to Knight's appearance before the commission, a group against the referendum and casinos in general voiced concerns. Knight addressed some of the comments.
"Everyone has the right to their opinions but not the facts," said Knight. He added that issues of crime and existing businesses being put out-of-business were unfounded.
He conceded there are problems with gambling, just like there are with drinking, smoking, and debt.
"I don't smoke or drink but I don't tell other people they shouldn't do it," Knight said.
The developers are not interested in building just a casino. They want to provide entertainment for the family.
The size of the casino and hotel rooms could change from the original proposal, Knight said, but the quality and "high end" approach wouldn't change.
The site itself may require more acreage and restaurants. Housing development also could occur near the casino, Knight said.
"If you (the county) want it, you have to work for it," Knight said. "The lean and hungry will prevail over the fat and comfortable."
Prior to the commission meeting, Knight spoke Monday at a noon Marion Kiwanis Club meeting.
Again he said this was a straight-up business deal. He also had heard he was playing several counties against Sedgwick County.
"Sedgwick County doesn't want to do a referendum," said Knight. "If a gaming law is passed, Sedgwick County will not be considered."
If the question passes in the three counties (Marion, Harvey, and Sumner) holding a referendum election, the developers will research their options.
If no counties pass the question, the developers will consider expanding the Ohio Tribe casino near Nebraska.
"I haven't spent a penny trying to pass referendums," said Knight. "The decision is for voters."
He knows there are issues associated with gambling.
"It's not good business to allow problem gamblers to gamble," said Knight.
If the Legislature passes it, it will be a financial issue. Without more gaming opportunities, the state could consider increasing taxes or cut spending.
"People who are against it would probably take their relatives (to the casino)," said Knight.
The opposition
Previous to Knight's appearance at the commission meeting, a contingency of those who oppose the referendum and casinos had the opportunity to speak.
Twenty-five people, mostly non-county residents, crowded with the news media in the commission room.
Delbert Loewen of Peabody, introduced Glenn Thompson of Wichita as the group's spokesman.
Thompson, a volunteer lobbyist and executive director of Stand Up for Kansas, read from a prepared statement.
The organization was formed in 1993, to oppose casinos in Kansas.
Thompson said that under the current state constitution and federal law, there are two ways a casino can be legalized in Kansas — as an Indian-owned or state-owned casino.
"If the legislature ever passes a bill for the state to own and operate a casino in south-central Kansas, which is highly unlikely, the state will select the location and managing contractor," said Thompson.
Since 1997, more than 50 bills for state-owned casinos have been introduced, said Thompson, and none passed.
"The proposed state-owned casino in Marion County has a very low probability of happening," he said.
Population and accessibility are key contributors to casino revenue. Sites that are densely populated and accessible are chosen, said Thompson.
"The casino would be a regional casino, not a destination casino," said Thompson. "Does anyone really think gamblers would fly or even drive to Marion County from other states to gamble at a casino? The reality is that most of the revenue would be pulled from citizens living in this region."
Money spent at local businesses would end up being spent at the casino, he said.
According to statistics, Thompson said that the presence of a casino in a 50-mile radius doubles the prevalence of problem and pathological gamblers. Approximately 30 percent of casino players have a gambling addiction.
"The region could eventually have between 5,200 and 7,800 pathological gamblers," Thompson said. The cost due to crime, business expense, unemployment, and other ills from the addiction could result in costing taxpayers.
The commission
After hearing from both sides and following a 10-minute break, Commissioner Randy Dallke opened the meeting with his reasons for pursuing the referendum.
"I was elected to bring opportunities to Marion County," Dallke said.
He recalled the first time Knight was at a commission meeting the room was filled with residents who were in favor of a casino.
"Our voting public needs to decide what's best for Marion County," said Dallke.
"Residents appreciate the opportunity to vote on an issue," said Holub. With that said, he made the motion to "let voters speak and let them live with the consequences." Hein seconded the motion, and the motion carried 3-0.
Dallke then made the motion to use economic development funds to pay for the special election. The others agreed and that motion passed 3-0. Projected costs are $10,000.
The election
Ballots will be mailed Dec. 9, to registered voters in Marion County. The election will be held Dec. 22.
For voters to receive a mailed ballot, registrations must be made or updated by Tuesday. Registrations will be allowed until election day but ballots must be voted at the county clerk's office.
Contact the clerk's office for more information by calling (620) 382-2185.
