The board of supervisors in Jones County voted 3-2 to oppose the new Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians casino.

Citizens urged the board to oppose the project. They said it will harm the local community.

“I’m all for self-determination, which Chief (Philip) Martin used effectively,” said Allan Nix of the Jones County Baptist Association, The Laurel Leader-Call reported. “But, that’s not an exclusive right for the Choctaws. The people of Jones County should have the right to voice what’s in their best interests.”

The tribal council voted 8-7 in June to move forward with a casino near near Sandersville, in Jones County. The site is about 80 miles from tribal headquarters in Philadelphia, where the tribe operates two casinos, but the land is still considered part of the reservation.

Get the Story:
Citizens oppose local casino (The Laurel Leader-Call 7/7)
Some Jones County citizens say no to a casino (WDAM-TV 7/6)

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