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• <br /> Community and Economic Development Committee <br /> March 24, 1997 <br /> Page 2 <br /> Mr.John Wolfe of Valparaiso stated the he is the State coordinator against legalized <br /> gambling. He spoke in favor of the Council adopting the Substitute Resolution. <br /> Mr. Kevin Butler, the Pokagon Band attorney, spoke in opposition to the proposed <br /> resolution. He noted that he would encourage a study and believes that the legal matters <br /> are extremely complicated. He further noted that the letter sent by Congressman Roemer <br /> with the regard to the legal references are erroneous and believes that public information <br /> and public education need to take place. <br /> Mr. Mike Wesan, the treasurer of the Pokagon Band, then provided two handouts to the <br /> Committee(copy attached). He spoke against the proposed resolution. He stated that it is <br /> the Pokagon Band position that land would be taken into trust and a casino would be <br /> opened and the concurrance of Governor O'Bannon is not necessary. <br /> Mr. Dennis Staley of the trade unions asked the Council to postpone action on the proposed <br /> resolution. Mr. Eric Brown of the sheet metal workers also spoke in opposition to the <br /> porposed resolution. <br /> Councilmember Hosinski stated that he believes that the resolution may be premature. <br /> Councilmember Varner believes that the spirit of a public study should go forward since <br /> Elkhart County had such a study and the potential impact of casinos on the community as a <br /> whole. <br /> Council President Kelly stated that he would prefer unanimous action on a proposed <br /> resolution by the Common Council. He stated that he is personally against the expansion <br /> of this type of gambling in the State and believes that there are significant community <br /> values and input which are necessary to study <br /> Councilmember Aranowski stated that he has received several calls on this proposed <br /> resolution. He questioned Mr. Butler when the public education process will take place.on <br /> this topic. <br /> Councilmember Udjak stated that he has serious and real concerns which involve the effect <br /> on the youth of our community and our community in general. He stated that he is <br /> opposed to any expansion for personal and moral reasons, however, made it clear that he <br /> is not anti Indian nor anti union. He believed that a delay may cause action to be taken by <br /> the Council that would be too late. <br /> Councilmember Pfeifer stated that she is concerned with all types of gambling especially <br /> since many people who gamble usually have the least in economic resources. <br /> Councilmember Pfeifer also stated concerns and reservations with regard to one group of <br /> individuals being singled out and believes an economic study and social issues should all <br /> be studied with regard to all types of gambling. <br /> Following further discussion, Councilmember Sniadecki made a motion seconded by <br /> Councilmember Pfeifer that Substitute Bill No.97-14 be tabled. <br />