"As you read this column, our Rock River Valley leaders are having an important powwow downtown that could affect your future. The group they belong to receives $200,000 a year from Rockford taxpayers. Rockton, Machesney Park and Loves Park also kick in tax dollars.

But you didn�t get to go to the meeting to see how your money is being spent. Neither did I � they wouldn�t let me in.

The group is the Rockford Area Economic Development Council. You know, it�s The Agency Formerly Known As The Council of 100. The council�s board is talking this morning about the proposed Indian casino, hotel, water park and music theater planned for a Beloit site that hugs the border with Illinois. They�ve invited Beloit leaders and a spokesman for the Lake Superior and St. Croix bands of the Chippewa tribe � the people who will own the casino."

Get the Story:
Chuck Sweeny: Beloit, Rockford chiefs mum on casino powwow (The Rockford Register Star 3/15)