Citizens for a Strong Sheboygan: Sheboygan advocacy group announces director, headquarters

Contact: James Michel

Ph. 920-451-7777

james@stopthecasinonow.com

(SHEBOYGAN) Citizens for a Strong Sheboygan, a group of local residents, business owners, and community leaders will lead an effort to keep Sheboygan a safe and healthy place to raise a family. The organization is concerned that a casino will erode the quality of life that has earned our community recognition as one of the best places to live in the country.

James Michel, a Sheboygan resident and area small business owner, will serve as Executive Director of the Strong Sheboygan group. Michel co-owns Mountain Promotions in Oostburg with his family. He has previously worked in the State Legislature focusing on economic development issues and has experience working as a community organizer.

Through face-to-face meetings, the group’s website stopthecasinonow.com and social networking the group has recruited hundreds of local citizens who oppose a casino in Sheboygan. It has also established a headquarters at 529 Ontario Avenue in downtown Sheboygan.

Michel will be working with local supporters to increase community awareness about the plans to develop a casino in the Sheboygan South Pier redevelopment district and the negative impacts it would have on the city.

“In just a short time I have had so many positive conversations with people who want to help us stop the casino and protect the values that have made Sheboygan a great place to live,” said Michel. “Lots of people are nervous about what has been going on behind closed doors and our early focus will be increasing transparency about the city’s ongoing negotiations with the developer and the Sokaogon Tribe. The citizens of Sheboygan need to know the facts.”

One Strong Sheboygan volunteer, Rev. Dr. Karl Schaffenburg of Grace Episcopal Church, is concerned about the increased social problems a casino would bring into the community.

“Churches and charitable organizations see a marked increase in the number of people needing help with basic necessities and life issues in marriages and relationships,” said Fr. Schaffenburg. “Casinos are not in the business of giving away money. They prey on the vulnerable.”

Another person opposed to a Sheboygan casino is local financial advisor, Jon Dolson.

“Casinos don’t make their money off the wealthy high rollers that we see in the movies,” said Dolson. “Casino executives spend just as much time targeting the elderly and those with low-income.”

Citizens for a Strong Sheboygan will be reaching out to individuals, businesses, non-profit groups, and elected officials as part of their effort. Sheboygan area groups and individuals interested in meeting with a representative of the group are encouraged to call the headquarters at 920-451-7777 or e-mail info@stopthecasinonow.com