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LAKEPORT – Supervisor Rob Brown says that Kenwood Investments, proposed purchaser of Konocti Harbor & Spa, has not delivered a final decision on whether it will continue in the transaction since the county board ruled out any possibility of developing a gambling casino at the site.
"I haven't heard anything," said Brown, regarding Kenwood's potential purchase of Konocti Harbor from UA Local Convalescent Fund.
"We're waiting with baited breath," added Brown, who said he had spoken with Kenwood representative Brad Welch in the week since Kenwood canceled a meeting with himself and other county officials.
Brown said Welch told him that Kenwood hasn't given up on the deal yet.
The meeting cancellation followed the Supervisors' 5-0 vote against allowing Kenwood to move forward with a casino project, which could be made possible by federal legislation converting the 38-acre Konocti Harbor property into an Indian reservation, or rancheria.
Whether the unanimous vote slamming the door on the Kenwood plan killed the deal, Brown is uncertain.
"They haven't pulled out," he said,"and I'm not implying that they will."
The resort remains at the heart of a federal lawsuit, scheduled to go to trial May 7.
In that lawsuit, the Department of Labor alleges that Local 38 of the United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters and Journeymen – which controls the convalescent fund that owns Konocti Harbor – diverted $36 million in assets of five employee benefit plans to renovate and operate the resort.
Brown is planning a trip to Sacramento Monday to meet with lawmakers about the casino issue, including Assemblywoman Patty Berg, Sen. Pat Wiggins, and staff from the Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's office, as well as staff from the offices of Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and Senate leader Don Perata.
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While I do not deny that the Tribes were given the right to operate casino's in California, at some point one would have to realize that there are just so many "gamers" therefore only so much money to be spent.
Considering that the roads and highways in and out of the County are limited and that the amount of traffic on these roadways, which are already becoming congested, can only handle so much traffic... will they then fly them in?
I have been to the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. That facility was built with the entire family in mind. Gaming, tennis, golf, Children's arcades and amusements, concerts and the list goes on. However there are very few competitor's and thus the Casino thrives and prospers, providing greater benefit to its stakeholders.
What ever happened to the equitable sharing of the profits with those Tribes that do not have casino's?
I wish them, the Tribes, well and in no way mean to denigrate their efforts, but when are enough Casino's enough!