|
Most Recent Online Casino News
Blumenthal, Casino Opponents Address Kent Residents
Several casino expansion opponents, including Attorney General Richard
Blumenthal, met with residents of Kent to field questions arising from
the recent federal recognition of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation.
Blumenthal has been highly critical of the federal recognition
process, saying it is flawed and driven by money and gambling.
The Kent-based tribe received its federal status on Jan. 29, clearing
the way for the tribe to negotiate with the state to open a casino.
Since then, Blumenthal has traveled to towns throughout western
Connecticut, pledging to appeal the decision on the basis that the
Schaghticokes did not meet all seven federal criteria, most notably
the one establishing the members as a continuous community. He said he
will appeal the decision shortly.
The tribe has named several potential casino sites, among them
Danbury, Bridgeport and Waterbury.
About 200 people turned out for the forum on Friday night that also
included U.S. Rep. Nancy Johnson, state Sen. Andrew Roraback,
R-Goshen, state Rep. Mary Ann Carson, R-New Fairfield and Connecticut
Alliance Against Casino Expansion President Jeff Benedict.
Subway restaurant founder Fred DeLuca announced Thursday he has been
the primary investor behind the tribe since 1996 and would like to see
a casino built in Bridgeport. Blumenthal said he believes outside
interests have lobbied and intimidated the Bureau of Indian Affairs
into reversing their preliminary ruling against the Schaghticoke
recognition.
Read the
entire article at:
Newsday.com
2004 Online Casino News Archive
| 
