Gaming compacts a touchy political issue

Tuesday, November 28, 2006  

Two officials in the Palm Springs, California, area are sparring over a stalled gaming compact for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

Palm Springs Mayor Ron Oden supports the compact, which authorizes the tribe to operate more than 2,000 slot machines and open a third casino. But Rancho Mirage Mayor Pro Tem Dana Hobart says his city opposes the agreement.

The two officials came to heads at a recent Palm Springs council meeting when Hobart got up to oppose the compact. Hobart complained that his city won't be allowed to negotiate directly with the tribe for impacts of the casino.

The remarks led to a rebuke by Oden, who was upset that Hobart came to the meeting. He wouldn't let Hobart speak past the three-minute limit on public comments.

Get the Story:
Roasting by Ron Oden won't keep mayor away (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 11/28)