Editorial: Don't delay Little River Band off-reservation casino

Wednesday, June 9, 2010  

"Lawmakers need to wrap up the hearing on a request for a tribal casino in Muskegon by moving the resolution to the House floor for a vote.

That’s where the resolution should have gone in April, before it got caught up in politics.

It supports an amendment to the compact of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm in March, that would allow the tribe to build a casino on the former Great Lakes Downs racetrack site in Fruitport Township. The amendment requires approval by the state House and Senate.

It’s been almost a month since House Speaker Andy Dillon’s press secretary, Abby Rubley, told The Chronicle the vote would occur within the next “couple of weeks.” It’s been almost two months since Rep. Doug Bennett, D-Muskegon Twp., introduced the resolution, expecting it to be passed within a week. Rep. Mary Valentine, D-Norton Shores, also has been working to shake the resolution loose. A hearing was expected to be scheduled this week, but it hasn’t happened yet."

Get the Story:
Editorial: What's the hold up? (The Muskegon Chronicle 6/8)

Related Stories:
Letter: Little River off-reservation casino good for economy (6/7)
Another hearing scheduled on Little River Band casino plan (5/31)
Little River Band defends off-reservation casino at hearing (5/27)
Bill introduced on Little River Band off-reservation casino (4/14)
Editorial: Support Little River Band off-reservation casino (3/29)
Little River Band wins support for two casino agreements (3/23)
Little River Band signs compact for off-reservation casino (3/22)