Editorial: Vote on Mississippi Choctaw casino

Tuesday, March 13, 2007  

"The Jackson County Board of Supervisors ought to embrace an opinion from Attorney General Jim Hood that it can call a non-binding referendum on a proposed tribal casino resort here.

The Mississippi Band of Choctaws proposed a $375 million casino resort on about 100 acres of land they own near the intersection of Miss. 57 and Interstate 10. The Choctaws have said they will abide by the results of a non-binding referendum held in the county. The Choctaw stand to honor the wishes of a majority of the county's voters is a democratic gesture that deserves respect. Tribal gaming must be approved by the governor and U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. The county has no control over the Choctaw land.

A November vote this year seems entirely possible. That leaves plenty of time for the Choctaws and gambling opponents to make their cases to voters.

Supervisors ought to get busy and allow the citizens to settle this issue."

Get the Story:
Editorial: AG opinion clears local gambling vote (The Mississippi Press 3/12)