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Former Wichita Mayor Criticizes Governor Sebelius

TOPEKA, Kansas – As reported by the Wichita Eagle: "Former Wichita Mayor Bob Knight harshly criticized Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Thursday for failing to negotiate a compact with the Iowa Tribe for a proposed casino in Park City.

"Matt All, the governor's chief counsel, said Knight and the tribe have not gained the community support necessary to begin negotiations. Plans for the casino were announced last October.

"Appearing before a legislative committee, Knight urged lawmakers not to act on another compact that would allow the Kickapoo and the Sac and Fox tribes to jointly build a casino and entertainment complex in Kansas City, Kan.

"The Iowa tribe wants the same terms for its Park City proposal. The Park City Council supports the plan, but Sebelius has insisted on support from the Wichita City Council and Sedgwick County Commission.

"…'Her varying positions are a bit dizzying,' Knight told the Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations, 'but for now it's this: Wichita Greyhound Park, owned by billionaire Phil Ruffin, can put hundreds of slot machines in a so-called racino without the approval of Wichita, or even any local government.

"'But if the slots are owned by the Iowa tribe and housed in a destination resort casino directly across the highway from the Greyhound Park, the mayor of Wichita and Wichita City Council must have the decisive final word.'…"

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