"It might sound optimistic to the edge of delusional, but the longtime leader of the Bay Mills Indian Community says he expects the tribe will open a casino in Port Huron within the next 15 months.

"Late spring or early summer of 2012," Jeff Parker replied when I asked if he could predict an opening date. "It's a lot of stuff to get done in a year."

Indeed it is. For starters, Bay Mills must win a legal challenge it appears to be losing. It also must strike a deal with Gov. Rick Snyder, whose position on a Port Huron casino is unknown.

And who knows what new bedevilments to expect from the tribe's relentless opponents, led by a phalanx of well-paid lobbyists and lawyers marching to the orders of MGM Grand, the Chippewa of Mount Pleasant and the Ottawa of Petoskey?"

Get the Story:
Mike Connell: Parker says casino will open next year (The Port Huron Times Herald 4/17)

District Court Decision:
Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community (March 29, 2011)

Related Stories:
Judge won't issue stay for Bay Mills off-reservation casino (4/15)
Column: Bay Mills Indian Community ready to battle for casino (4/4)
Column: Down but not out for a Bay Mills off-reservation casino (4/1)
Bay Mills Indian Community to appeal decision against casino (3/31)
Editorial: Don't give up on Bay Mills off-reservation casino bid (3/31)
Bay Mills Indian Community closes its off-reservation casino (3/30)
Judge orders Bay Mills to stop running off-reservation casino (3/29)