Opinion: Avoid conflict over tribal gaming revenues

Thursday, June 11, 2009  

"The recent article in the Enquirer about the Firekeepers Casino and the local revenue sharing board (LRSB) was very interesting. It presented information, but also dealt with possibilities and maybes. It is very important that we deal with the facts as they exist.

There is a valid compact between the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi and the State of Michigan. That compact expires in December of 2018. The compact calls for a LRSB made up of a representative from the county, a representative from Emmett Township and a representative from a third local unit of government determined by those representatives to be most impacted by the casino. The LRSB does not exist until the three members are determined.

It is time for the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners and the Emmett Township Board of Trustees to name their representatives. Following that in an open and transparent manner, the third member should be selected. The problems in Berrien County began when the county and the township representatives attempted to develop bylaws that were in conflict with the compact and prior to naming the third member.

The LRSB, by compact, has only one function. That function is to determine and make allocations of the tribal payments for the purposes described and subject to the limitations of the contract. The decisions of the LRSB require a unanimous vote."

Get the Story:
Allyn L. Miller: Address casino issue in open, transparent manner (The Battle Creek Enquirer 6/11)