It has been 17 years and 301 days since the city’s pledge to build the West Branch Library.
Once again the Glendale Star’s bias is showing. An October 23, 2015 story by Carolyn Dryer, editor, bemoans the fact that it looks like House Resolution 308, the Keep the Promise Act introduced by Representative Trent Franks, will soon come up for a successful vote in the Congressional House of Representatives. Here is the link: http://www.glendalestar.com/news/article_9a937bea-79d8-11e5-b35d-6b9c5634463d.html .
The House has essentially passed the same bill two times previously with bipartisan support. It is said, “the third time’s a charm.” Let’s hope so. Once the House passes the bill it moves to the Senate. A Republican majority provides a strong chance that it will pass there as well.
One should note that the Glendale Star was obviously provided a copy of a letter by Representative Raul Grijalva, an opponent of the bill, sent to House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy. Grijalva’s letter is quoted extensively as he requests procedures designed to delay or kill the bill.
The Star also attempted to gain an interview with the House Majority Leader and is quoted as saying, “I realize we are not a national network probing for the truth, but we are a media outlet that is trying to educate our readers.” Unfortunately, there are two glaring errors in their statement. The Star appears to be a long, long way from “probing for the truth.” Oh wait, it’s probably their version of the truth. They also represent themselves as “trying to educate our readers.” That, too, appears to be fudging. If there really was a genuine attempt to educate the reader, the article would have been more balanced with statements from casino opponents as well as proponents. Instead it’s just another vehicle of support for the Tohono O’odham.
Don’t you find it interesting that the Star wrote a blistering editorial condemning Councilmember Sherwood’s actions flaunting the law yet seems to look the other way when it comes to the Tohono O’odham’s flaunting of the law and their casino?
© Joyce Clark, 2015
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I get why the people in the west valley look forward to the casino. I get Glendale taking the money. What I dont get is how many people dont understand just how much this will cost Glendale..
The tribe pays no sales tax. A casino is designed and built to be ALL inclusive. They are not designed for you to go anywhere before or after. Thats why the different bars, restaurants, spa’s and shops. Much of that will be money that might otherwise be spent in other west valley businesses that DO pay sales tax.
Now, you throw in the real possibility that the Yotes may relocate, whats that do to Westgate? The loss of 500k to 600K is tough to make up. More lost revenue. Even if they stay, does anyone really think a casino would not offer transportation to and from games and events? Either way, a casino will drain revenue from area businesses. Which means less revenue for the city.
Lets not forget about the Hotels in the area that will lose a lot of business?
I havent even mentioned the schools being so close and how they might be effected.
And last, the tribe lied. Maybe they pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes, but they lied. They also have severely downsized their original estimate of the number of jobs they would create, Both in the construction and then the operation. Basically, they lied again. Anyone figure out how many jobs a casino will cause to be lost in other area businesses?
Be careful what many of you wish for. It may not be all you think it will be.
The schools are my biggest concern, literally right across the street, it’s such a shame. And I live in Glendale and I am not looking forward to this casino.
You bring up some good points I don’t think many people are considering.
I so agree, Jim. I have felt this way right from the beginning. This is a really arrogant tribe. First they acquire the land unethically, then they work on certain Council people to back them. I think the biggest reveal of what this tribe is would be throwing all their sister tribes and heritage under the bus to open a casino. They are told by government they might not be able to open a casino here and they still continue to build. They literally are thumbing their noses at all authority and agreements. Doesn’t Glendale realize that it would not be any different with our City authority if the right issue comes up? I am so disappointed in our Council that they contribute to this underhanded way of thinking. And I still am worried about the extra utilities (water and sewer), and they can say what they want but it will require extra fire and law enforcement. Hotels in that area have already struggled and that is what we all backed to eventually make it a money making area for our City finances that have been so badly handled. And, of course, my main concern has always been the schools and churches. Casinos bring in a group of undesirable people. I have seen them for years at area casinos that I have visited. Let’s just hope someone in government has enough sense to put a stop to this.