Fast Push For Hard Rock Casino Rockford Proposal
State Senator Hopes For A Proposal Greenlight
Bobbie Holzwarth, one of Rockford’s leading casino lawyers, expects the Hard Rock Casino Rockford proposal to have zero challenges before the Illinois Gaming Board. This is despite the several news reports about state Senator Dave Syverson’s involvement in the deal.
It is a known fact that Syverson has a close relationship with several of the top investors behind the deal. In fact, he has publicly praised the virtues of the brand and its proposed location. Nevertheless, the senator denies having any involvement or financial interest in the casino plans.
However, recent news has raised ethical questions about Syverson’s involvement in the deal and questioned his connections with the casino investors.
Despite the damning news, Syverson said he didn’t do any wrong by championing for a casino he feels will be beneficial to Rockford.
What The Reports Could Mean For The Casino Plans
“I don’t think it should, and I hope it will not,” said Bobbie Holzwarth, “As the city and its team and the aldermen looked at the proposals, we tried very hard to ignore the noise out there by people trying to use public opinion to sway the city. And we tried very hard, and I think successfully, to focus on information each applicant provided to us and how will it fit the requirements and expectations the city had for the things needed to certify.”
Syverson has said he advocated for the casino not for personal interest but out of love for the community. This comes off the backdrop of the casino act that prohibits elected officials from partaking in any casino owners. The act requires elected officials to carry out their duties in a way that doesn’t defile public trust. It prohibits state officials (employees, and family members) from having a stake in any casino (and that includes owning or working for the casino or doing business with the casino).
