Editorial: Don't fight tribes on smoking at casinos

Monday, May 11, 2009  

"Now both tribes have reached agreements with Gov. M. Jodi Rell to curtail smoking at their respective casinos, yet Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and some lawmakers continue insisting on a needless legal fight to try to force a complete smoke-free environment.

Following the lead of the Mohegan Tribe, which already agreed to reduce smoking areas at Mohegan Sun, the Mashantucket Tribe announced a deal to cut secondhand smoke at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Mr. Blumenthal says no one should have to deal with secondhand smoke, yet he has not called for ending smoking at private clubs. Smoke clouds VFW and American Legion halls across the state.

But the unions are howling about smoke at the casinos and the TV news crews are paying attention. There is plenty of politics involved with Mr. Blumenthal's decision to mount the soapbox on this issue.

The state has enough problems; it doesn't need an ugly fight with its federally recognized tribes."

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Editorial: The Better Choice (The New London Day 5/10)