Editorial: Don't force state's smoking ban on tribes

Wednesday, March 19, 2008  

"Mashantucket and Mohegan are sovereign nations. And sovereignty is the exclusive right to govern ones' self, or in this case, not to be regulated by the state.

Attorney General Blumenthal maintains sovereignty isn't a factor in this case, since the two tribes have already agreed, in compacts with the state, to adopt public health standards at least as rigorous as Connecticut's public health laws. But he also recommends, “as a matter of comity and respect ... that the tribes and the state seek an agreement to implement the ban — thereby advancing the health interests of tribal and non-tribal patrons and employees of the casinos alike, without the need for enforcement litigation.”

Mr. Blumenthal understands that to force any ban will lead to protracted and expensive litigation. And the tribes have said they are ready and willing to try to negotiate a fair resolution.

Why not allow that process to proceed, without the threat of a ban taking effect next February? Let the legislature and the tribes work toward resolution. And don't be overly influenced by the UAW, which clearly is flexing its newfound muscle.

If the discussions fail, and the legislature decides to pass a bill extending the state's ban on smoking to the two casinos, then it can do so knowing it made every effort to come to a resolution by talking. But don't extend an invitation for dialogue if a decision has been predetermined."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Talk It Out With Tribes (The New London Day 3/19)
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