On July 27, 2014 Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake introduced S. 2670 according to an Associated Press release. The senators announced that their bill is a companion measure to Representative Trent Franks’ H.R. 1410 approved by the House of Representative and awaiting action in the Senate. It prohibits the construction of any new Indian gambling operation on unincorporated land in the metro Phoenix area that is not contiguous to an existing Indian reservation.
This bill takes aim at the very heart of the Tohono O’odham’s proposed casino on unincorporated land in Glendale. A very special “Thank you” goes out to the three members of the Arizona Congressional delegation: Representative Trent Franks and his bill, H.R. 1410 and Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake for their bill, S. 2670. Those of us who live near the proposed casino and who would have to deal with its impacts on our quality of life are extremely gratified and appreciative.
This bill seems to have wide support in the Senate. Talk is that even some Democratic senators will support this bill. It appears that many Senators have become concerned about the latest national trend of “reservation shopping.” While this bill does not address that issue per se it does send a strong signal to tribes across the country that they may very well see legislation banning the practice, especially if the Senate is controlled by Republicans after this fall’s election cycle.
Again, thank you Senators McCain and Flake. We on the front lines appreciate your support and your efforts.
© Joyce Clark, 2014
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Looks like my email to them this weekend worked! 😉
You are the God of Influential Email…:-)
I find it extremely sad that our ELECTED politicians, both parties, do NOT listen to the majority of the people and just do what they want to do. Time to vote them out of office! Goes for the City Council of Glendale and all the rest of them.
McCain and Flake have demonstrated that they are listening to Valley wide concerns about a proposed casino on a county island within Glendale. This is a state wide issue. I am grateful that they have introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate to stop a project poised to destroy the voter approved Indian gaming compact of 2002.
The Tribe is not at all going against the gaming compact what you are referring to is a 2002 voted proposition. Which they are still not going against. The Tohono O’odham were allowed to build another Casino per the actual Gaming compact. The island of property they purchased was a replacement for land the federal government ruined. Its theirs it is not incorporated in the city of Glendale. What everyone is mad at is the fact that no one declared latitude and longitude of where “Phoenix metropolitan area” started and stopped. Best advice get over it. Its coming and over 12 straight court rulings in their favor proves they have done it the right way. The whole time.
Thank you for your opinion. Unfortunately I do not agree with a single sentiment. But I appreciate your right to express your opinion.
Native American!!! Here first. Look at you still trying to push the natives around and tell them where to go and what they can and can’t do. Racist… plain and simple. Every inch of land your stepping on was claimed by a native first. Imagine all the diseases and filth brougt here by your ancestors. Politics will not stop what is rightfully so due to this Tribe. Move out of Glendale if you just cant handle another “trash casino” in your neighborhood.
When all else fails, pull out the “racist card.” That’s what people do when they cannot offer a rational, sound argument for their position. When, and if, you come up with one, let us all know.
Joan, but they are listening. In 2002 the voters in the state supported the gaming compact. How is what they are doing not supporting the will of the people? It’s only the State legislature that pass laws that overturn laws that are supported/approved by the people.
Good news, and good example of an issue that rises above party. As a registered independent who leans more toward democratic policy and usually does not vote republican, I support this move and oppose the casino. Westgate is just now starting to recover and gain momentum with Yotes. I would like to see it flourish on a level playing field. Thank you, Joyce, for your research and updates.