Casino Stalker | Opinion

Ned Norris: Tohono O'odham Nation confirms right to build casino

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

"Two and a half years ago, the Tohono O'odham Nation announced plans for a major economic development project adjacent to Peoria and Glendale. The West Valley Resort will create 6,000 construction jobs and more than 3,000 permanent jobs, all without a single penny of taxpayer money.

From day one, support from the business community, political leaders and the public has remained strong. Multiple polls have shown overwhelming public support for the project and thousands of Arizonans are actively supporting its success. Reasonable community interests understand the contributions this project will make to the struggling sports and entertainment venues in the West Valley.

Unfortunately, regardless of how positive a project may be, powerful special interests that desire to protect their control or market share often will say just about anything to create fear, sow division, and slow or stop progress. There is no better example than the actions of the Gila River Indian Community and Glendale.

For the past 30 months, the West Valley Resort has been studied, debated and reviewed, with authorities reaching the same conclusion every time: the Nation has played by the rules and has the right to move forward."

Get the Story:
Ned Norris Jr.: It's time to build the West Valley resort (The Arizona Republic 7/16)