Tribal officials hopeful state's racino bill can be defeated

Observer Staff

1/25/2005 12:00:00 AM

Tribal leaders expressed their disappointment over the Michigan Senate passing "racino" legislation, but remained optimistic the measure could be defeated.

"The Michigan legislature has a history of making decisions that are not in the best interests of its Native American communities," stated Saginaw Chippewa Sub-Chief Bernie Sprague. "Even though the bill isn't the same passed by the House, we're still hopeful we can get this initiative stopped."

His sentiments were echoed by Chief Audrey Falcon.

"We are really disappointed," she stated. "We are currently in the process of planning our strategy with the other groups who oppose the idea of adding slot machines to the state's horse racing tracks."

The proposal has led to some unlikely partnerships. Anti-gambling activists joined forces with Detroit and Indian casinos opposing the racino package during an April 28 rally. A western Michigan Republican, state Sen. Wayne Kuipers of Holland, found common ground with state Sen. Buzz Thomas, a state Democrat.

"Nothing in this legislation is about agriculture ," stated Thomas during the rally. "It's about gambling."

Opposition to House Bill 4610-which would allow the video lottery terminal and slots at the tracks-may also appear on the November ballot.

A coalition calling itself "Let Voters Decide-Yes!" formally launched its ballot initiative the day of the rally. The group wants to require that horse tracks or most other operations get a vote of the people-both statewide and at the local level-to have table gambling games or player-operated gambling machines. The requirement would not apply to Detroit's three casinos or to the Indian casinos in the state.

Ten states already require a vote of the people to expand gambling, according to the group. They need more than 317,000 signatures of registered voters to get their initiative on the Nov. 2 ballot.

"Any future gaming expansion in the state needs to be approved by its residents," said Sprague. "If you look at the bill closer, by no way shape or means is it going to help agriculture and do very little for education. I'm not surprised is passed, but I am obviously disappointed."