First area casino votes come up 'no'

By Joe Winter

While rumblings have been heard that some townships in St. Croix County would consider taking money from the Four Feathers partnership, the first two votes taken have been a resounding "no."

While cities such as Hudson and New Richmond said early that they would not consider money in exchange for their written support of a casino at St. Croix Meadows, the opinions have been mixed in most of the towns. In the town of Somerset, another factor being considered is competition a casino would give to local businesses that depend on tourists.

At last week's annual meeting, residents of the town of Warren voted 71-41 to reject the offer. The vote came after a presentation by Four Feathers lobbyist Morris Andrews and significant discussion about moral issues and, to a lesser degree, the possibility of crime moving into the area.

An informal poll calling for rejection of the offer, 37-22, was taken during elections held at the Pleasant Valley Town Hall. The matter apparently will be settled for good at the next Town Board meeting.

At the town of Hudson annual meeting, a vote was taken to go on record opposing the offer. It gained several "yes" votes and one "no." Resident Einar Horne, who also serves on the County Board, questioned whether contracts would be binding on a sovereign nation. "Anything you do with these people is a waste of time," Horne said, adding he thinks the reason for the offers is to prompt a countywide vote, not one focused only on the Hudson area.

At least two other townships had the matter on their annual meeting agendas, and discussion was held, but no vote was taken or direction given to their town boards.

A second meeting of county municipalities, with Four Feathers the sole agenda item, is scheduled for downtown Hammond on May 18.