Sedgwick County Commissioners Send Message About Casino

Oct. 19

A majority of Sedgwick County Commissioners say they can send their own message to Topeka without a county-wide casino vote, but will it be enough?

In place of a casino referendum, commissioners say this resolution shows legislators they are interested in expanded gambling.

"This pretty much says what an unofficial poll would say. It saves us the money and it sends the message," said Sedgwick County Commissioner Ben Sciortino.

It says in the event the state approves expanded gambling, Sedgwick County citizens deserve the opportunity to vote in a binding election. Unless the governor tells them specifically otherwise, a vote before the fact would be a waste of money.

"Let's have a poll on Iraq let's have one on Harriet Meirs. Having a vote to do an opinion poll is wrong," said Sedgwick County Manager Bill Buchanon.

But is this resolution enough for those in Topeka? The governor and some legislators have said a non-binding vote is necessary before this year's session if a county wants to be considered for expanded gambling.

In just the past two weeks Harvey, Marion and Sumner counties did decide to go ahead with a vote. The governor's chief counsel tells KAKE News, "While this resolution is a step in the right direction there is no doubt having a vote would send a stronger signal.

And he says those counties who have a vote will be in the front of the line. That's one reason commissioner Tim Norton voted against the resolution. He wants a vote.

"I know there's a lot of political manuevering under the water. I know there's lobbying and it has to do with local politics but at the end of the day it has to do with allowing people to have their voice," said Norton.

So what does this mean about casino backer Bob Knight's project? Knight says he would not consider coming back to Sedgwick County unless there is a vote before this year's legislative session.