Court moving fast on Narragansett casino bid

Thursday, August 5, 2004  

The Rhode Island Supreme Court will hear arguments tomorrow on the constitutionality of the Narragansett Tribe's casino referendum.

Chief Justice Frank Williams promised the court would issue a ruling as soon as possible. The court could conclude the referendum is illegal or it could decide not to get involved.

The ruling will be nonbinding on the state but casino opponents, including Gov. Donald Carcieri (R), say they will seek a binding ruling. Carcieri argues that a privately-run casino violates the state constitution.

The referendum asks: "Shall there be a casino in the Town of West Warwick operated by an affiliate of Harrah's Entertainment in association with the Narragansett Indian Tribe?"

Carcieri vetoed the referendum but lawmakers overrode it last week. The town council in West Warwick, where the casino would be located, approved the language by a 4-1 vote on Tuesday. The tribe has many boosters in the town, which is not located within the reservation.

Get the Story:
Casino opinion would come quickly (AP 8/5)
Supporters, foes square off on casino (The Providence Journal 8/5)
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