Gary Besaw (WRN photo)
A leadership change in the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin. Laurie Boivin is out, and Gary Besaw is in as tribal chair following a reorganization meeting on Monday. The change comes in the wake of Governor Scott Walker’s decision to reject the Menominee’s application to develop an off-reservation casino at an idled dog track in Kenosha, although it’s unclear whether the change is connected to that.
Boivin was elected to succeed Craig Corn as tribal chair last year, and delivered the annual State of the Tribe’s address.
The Menominee are reportedly still considering what their next move might be. A posting on the tribe’s Facebook page says a special meeting of the tribal legislature is set for Tuesday evening at the tribe’s convention center in Keshena, and calls on tribal members and supporters of the casino to participate in a march to Madison.
Governor Walker’s rejection of the $800 million Menoninee Hard Rock Casino project was widely condemned by legislators of both political parties who represent southeastern Wisconsin.