Editorial: Tohono O'odham casino raises questions

Wednesday, March 4, 2009  

"The Tohono O'odham Nation of southwestern Arizona is maneuvering toward opening what would be the state's largest casino-resort on land it owns in the West Valley at 91st and Northern avenues.

Is the Valley ready to accept another casino? As yet, we have no real feel for how this proposal - which would constitute metro Phoenix's eighth casino and the first ever planned for the northwest Valley - will be greeted here.

The undeveloped gulf that once separated even "urban" tribal lands from the cities has all but disappeared. If the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community's Casino Arizona is at arm's length from Scottsdale . . . well, it is a very short arm.

So, does one more casino-resort - albeit, a substantial one - change the current dynamic?

Tohono O'odham Tribal Chairman Ned Norris, backed by what he believes is ironclad federal law, is convinced it does not. Norris wishes to be welcomed as a good neighbor."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Is state ready for another Valley casino? (The Arizona Republic 3/4)