|
Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane and Litchfield Park Mayor Tom Schoaf sound like two big time racist *ssholes who want to continue a centuries old tradition of screwing the American Indians.
Mayors: Only Congress can protect us from new casinos Jim Lane and Tom Schoaf, AZ We See It 4:58 p.m. MST May 3, 2016 Mayors: If Congress doesn't step in, other tribes could open casinos in the Phoenix area, regardless of local opposition. As the Mayors of Scottsdale and Litchfield Park, we are deeply concerned that the Tohono O’odham Nation, which recently opened a new casino in Glendale, will seek to open additional casinos in Valley neighborhoods. That’s why we believe that Congress should pass legislation that explicitly prevents any additional casinos from being built in the Phoenix metropolitan area from now until the expiration of the State-Tribal Gaming Compact in 2027. To be clear, we vigorously oppose the Glendale casino, but we are concerned that the same tactics that allowed it to open in the first place will be used again to develop additional casinos on county islands in our communities. This should not be allowed to happen and that’s why it is so urgent that Congress acts. Arizona’s gaming compact, which was passed by Arizona voters in 2002, has been a tremendous success. It ensures that gaming in the state is limited and well-regulated. It is also responsible for the creation of substantial economic development opportunities for urban and rural tribe communities alike. Tribe skirted a 2002 deal to open their casino History of Desert Diamond Casino West Valley In our opinion, the Tohono O’odham circumvented the agreement by opening a casino in the Glendale area. If Congress does not step in, the same tactics could be used to develop new casinos in other Phoenix communities, regardless of opposition from local residents, community leaders and other tribes. Congress must now make explicit the well-understood intent of the 2002 compact – that, going forward, there should be no additional casinos in the Phoenix area. This is consistent with the will of Arizona’s voters and the assurances given to the state and other tribes. So we’re grateful that Arizona’s leaders in Congress – including U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, and Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake – have been working to protect the Phoenix area from additional casinos. The Tohono O’odham Nation has stretched the meaning of the 2002 compact to justify opening a casino near Glendale. Nearby cities like ours wonder if we’ll be next. Stopping additional casinos is about protecting Valley neighborhoods. Today, Scottsdale and Litchfield Park and the rest of our Valley enjoy quiet neighborhoods, quality schools and a superb quality of life. We’ve built wonderful places to live and to raise a family. We don’t want to take another step closer to becoming the Las Vegas Strip. Enough is enough. We intend to fight to keep our communities the way they are today. Jim Lane is mayor of Scottsdale. Tom Schoaf is mayor of Litchfield Park. Email them at jlane@scottsdaleaz.gov and tschoaf@litchfield-park.org.
|