Commission seeks reassurance before final steps for special election
EDITOR'S NOTE: At presstime, Bob Knight had been contacted and placed on the agenda for 2 p.m. Monday.
Staff reporter
Marion County Commission held a special meeting Tuesday morning following concerns expressed at Monday's meeting about a mail-in special election for a referendum that would allow a casino resort to come to Marion County.
Commission chairman Bob Hein said he had left messages on Bob Knight's cell phone voice mail but Knight had not returned his calls. He said he was leery of Knight not returning his calls.
Knight, promoter for the project, and Dennis Smith, the developer, made a presentation Oct. 17, to the commission regarding the development of a multimillion dollar casino, hotel, restaurant, convention center complex.
Following the Oct 17 presentation, the commission took action and approved a special election to be held before the end of the year to advise state legislators of the desire for the development.
Other counties also have expressed an interest for the development and have planned special elections in their counties before the end of December.
During Monday's meeting, county clerk Carol Maggard said she was approaching a final deadline for publication notices, printing of ballots and envelopes, and time to process the ballots for mailing.
The commission wanted another opportunity to contact Knight and invite him to Tuesday's meeting but Knight did not return the calls.
The commission expressed concerns about being "pawns" and wanted a direct answer from Knight whether there was any possibility of the development coming to Marion County.
Maggard presented cost estimates to the commission Monday for the special election. The total estimate was $9,166 for publications, printing, envelopes, postage, and election workers.
Emotions again ran high Tuesday when Dale Nuss of Hillsboro delivered a letter to the commission regarding his concerns of a casino.
Nuss verbally told the commissioners he trusted their collective judgment but "the minutemen are ready."
"Marion County residents are ready to take a vocal stand and provide documented information," said Nuss.
Commissioner Dan Holub said there are two sides to this issue and he has mainly heard those in favor of the project.
"We don't want to be a pawn," said Holub. "The worst case scenario is the county passes the referendum vote, no other county passes it, and they still don't come here."
Holub made it clear to Nuss that this wasn't just a casino but a hotel, restaurant, convention center, and day-care center.
"This will mean economic development," said Holub, with an increase in jobs and housing.
Holub told Nuss people will drive 25 to 60 miles to gamble and it's all here in the county — lottery, Keno, and Texas Hold'em Tournaments.
Holub said he would look forward to a debate without name-calling, referring to comments made in Nuss' letter.
Nuss apologized to the commission if the letter offended them. He reminded the commission that its job was to "look out for the well being of the residents and not bring in things that are addictive."
"If Marion County was that important to Bob Knight and his project, he would have returned your calls," said Nuss. "It's preposterous to think it's coming to Marion County."
Holub responded that Marion County had a lot to offer — location, lower land costs and taxes than Sedgwick County. He said there have been landowners who have contacted Holub to offer their land for the project.
"If we can't get Knight here, I'll consider not doing the election," said Holub.
Commissioner Randy Dallke said there was going to be new interest from legislators after the first of the year.
"This deal isn't going to be built overnight," said Dallke. "And maybe it will be first come, first served and come to Marion County."
He added he was interested in what the public has to say and it would be another 12 months before a regular election could be held.
Holub expressed frustration with those who said the commission gave a "quick vote" for the referendum vote.
"The reason for the 'quick vote' was because legislators need to know if there is any interest," said Holub. "If there isn't any, they will not proceed. Next November won't do us any good. We're not trying to pull a fast one."
"We've got constituents on both sides of the issue," said Holub. "We need to poll the voters. We're trying to be absolutely fair."
Maggard said time was running short and a decision had to be made. Holub asked if the election could be postponed a week, giving the commission more time to contact Knight and Smith.
Maggard said the election could be held Dec. 16, which would be the same day as Harvey County. Sumner County's election is scheduled for Dec. 20.
State statute requires mail-out ballots be sent 10-20 days prior to the election date. Voter registration will be accepted up to 14 days prior to the election but voters would need to vote on the casino resort referendum in the clerk's office and would not receive a ballot in the mail. Only those registered 30 days prior to the election will receive a ballot in the mail.
The commission will continue to attempt to make contact with the promoter and developer and a special meeting may be called yet this week to meet with them.
If no contact is made, the issue will be discussed at Monday's regular commission meeting.
In other business:
— Maggard reported a cost estimate of $27,000, for restoration and waterproofing of the courthouse foundation.
Cost estimates have not been obtained for reconstruction of the office space in the road and bridge offices but Maggard said it could be $20,000.
— Dallke requested a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
