Editorial: Mashantucket Tribe builds bridges

Tuesday, April 22, 2008  

"It may be a small thing, this planned rebuilding of a bridge in Ledyard, but it sends a loud message that the relationship between the town and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe continues to move from confrontation to cooperation.

For years town residents and the local officials elected to represent them focused on the upheaval caused when federal recognition of the tribe led to the construction of a casino on reservation land in the quiet town. Town officials dug in to fight any attempts to expand the reservation and complained about a tribal leadership they said had little concern for the impact the casino was having on Ledyard.

But attitudes have softened in the 15 years since the casino opened. Both sides have come to recognize that a healthy coexistence will require collaboration. Building a bridge is the perfect symbol of the changing approach.

Get the Story:
Editorial: Building Bridges In Ledyard (The New London Day 4/22)
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