Artist's rendering of the proposed West Valley Resort. Image from Tohono O'odham Nation.
Newspaper supports bill to stop the Tohono O'odham Nation from opening an off-reservation casino but doesn't think it will get very far:
As game efforts go, federal legislation proposed by Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., to forestall construction of a new tribal casino near Glendale is a worthy effort. Likely a losing effort, considering the makeup of Congress. But worthy nonetheless. The prospects for southern Arizona’s Tohono O’odham tribe building its casino-resort, purported to be a $500 million project near 95th and Northern avenues, seem strong. The Department of the Interior so far has green-lighted the deal, and the courts have yet to prove a real impediment. No legal standard in statute or tribal law explicitly defends the intent of voters. There is only righteousness on their side. And the law, in this case, is indifferent to that sentiment.Get the Story:
Editorial: Franks’ try worth a shot (The Arizona Republic 4/12) Related Stories:
Two Democrats join bill to block Tohono O'odham Nation casino (4/11)
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