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MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2003

The Shawnee News-Star asked the two Democratic candidates vying for a seat in the Oklahoma Legislature about their views on tribal issues.

The question posed was: "What should be the relationship between tribal governments and the state government, especially with regard to tribal taxes and gaming?"

Charlie Laster, an attorney, responded: "I think that Oklahoma needs to change its policy towards the Indian tribes and change from an attitude of litigation to an attitude of cooperation. We can make compacts with the tribes to share in revenues and to be good neighbors."

Greg Wilson, mayor of Tecumseh and an attorney, talked about the Absentee Shawnee Tribe's recent casino plans. He said: "I acknowledge the sovereignty rights of the Indian tribes. I think that the tribes are good business people and they acknowledge that the state has to make money, too, because that's the way we pave the roads and do all the things that government does for us. I think we need to try to level the playing field through the compact asking the tribes to pay their fair share of government services."

The two are competing for the state Senate seat vacated by Gov. Brad Henry (D).

Get the Story:
Senate candidates discuss economic crisis, health costs, tribal relations (The Shawnee News-Star 1/12)