Park City Council Reacts to Casino Vote Refusal

As reported by the Ark Valley News: "Park City council members reacted Tuesday after the Sedgwick County Commission refused to allow a referendum vote on casinos.

"Council member John Lehnherr reviewed the situation, saying the casino project has taken a huge turn due to lack of support from the county commissioners.

"Former Wichita Mayor Bob Knight met with the Harvey County Commission this week. Plans are being discussed to locate a nearly $200 million casino project in Harvey County, just north of Park City, but Harvey County commissioners said a countywide referendum would be held first.

"The mail ballot is expected to be in Harvey County voters' hands within two to three months. If the vote is favorable, casino backers are expected to take the results to the state legislature early next year.

"Lehnherr and other Park City officials are clearly upset about the possible switch in location to Harvey County.

"…When the referendum was being discussed at the county commission meeting in August, Lehnherr said, legislators 'relayed that it didn't matter what the voters chose in a referendum election and that it was up to the legislature to determine if Sedgwick County gets a destination casino or not. They first said we haven't shown support, and then when we're trying to get support, they block it.'…"