Casino news source: The Sun Herald - http://www.sunherald.com
AG again says Jackson Co. non-binding casino election OK
Associated Press
PASCAGOULA, Miss. - The attorney general's office has again told Jackson County supervisors that they can hold a non-binding election on a casino proposed by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
In a one-sentence opinion issued Monday, Deputy Attorney General Mike Lanford re-iterated a March 7 opinion issued to Rep. Danny Guice, R-Ocean Springs.
"Yes, for the same reasons expressed in our opinion to (Rep. Daniel) Guice (R-Ocean Springs), dated March 7, 2007."
The earlier opinion states the supervisors can hold a non-binding referendum since gambling involves the "loss of tax base, affect on local economy, infrastructure and public services are all relevant considerations for county government in the exercise of its police power."
Supervisors delayed making a decision to allow Jackson County voters to decide the fate of the casino and resort complex because, they said, the board needed its own opinion from the Attorney General's office.
The board of supervisors had asked for an expedited opinion last week after the Ocean Springs Board of Aldermen officially went on record against the casino and in the same resolution called on supervisors to call a "timely vote."
Gambling is illegal in Jackson County because its residents have voted to keep out casinos.
Tribal casinos do not have to abide by state or local laws.
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, which has proposed a casino near Interstate 10 east of Ocean Springs, has asked the U.S. Department of Interior to add land the tribe owns there to its reservation for the purpose of operating a casino. One of the factors the federal government considers in such a request is whether there is community support.
Tim Taranto, spokesman for Coast Businesses for Fair Play, a group which opposes the Choctaw casino, said supervisors should put the issue to a vote in November.
Taranto said the group, which has the support of some casinos along the coast, opposes the Choctaw casino because it wouldn't have to pay taxes or be subject to state regulations.
Supervisor Frank Leach said the Harrison County casinos' involvement in the Jackson County vote reminded him of a vote on whether or not to sell whiskey in a dry county. The principal forces trying to keep a dry county dry, he said, were local churches and next-door county liquor stores.
"They feel a need to continue to stick their nose into the business of Jackson County," Leach said. "I respect our neighbors to the west. But, Jackson County is quite able to take care of our own business."
The Choctaws have proposed a $375 million casino on 100 acres. The casino will have more than 2,300 slot machines and a 400-seat buffet. The hotel part of the casino will feature 1,100 rooms, theater, indoor and outdoor pools, and a fitness center.
Mississippi Choctaws also run the Silver Star and Golden Moon casinos in Philadelphia.
Choctaw Chief Phillip Martin has said the tribe will respect voter's wishes. If gaming is voted down by Jackson County voters, the tribe will not build the casino.
Martin, who is finishing his seventh term as Choctaw chief, is up for an eighth term as chief in Choctaw balloting June 12.
Jackson County last held a referendum in 1990. The vote then was for a binding referendum and Jackson County voters rejected casinos. |
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