Editorial: City can't help Spokane Tribe's off-reservation casino

The Spokane City Council should not reverse its opposition to construction of the Spokane Tribe’s proposed casino in Airway Heights.

Asserting that the city should be neutral in the face-off between the Spokanes and the Kalispel Tribe, owners of the Northern Quest Casino & Resort, ignores what should be the paramount interest of the council and all city officials: What is best for the city of Spokane.

Another entertainment and hospitality complex on the West Plains competing with venues and hotels within Spokane is not best for businesses or the city itself, which loses the tax revenues needed to pay for improved services; more police, to name just one.

Because tribal enterprises are not required to disclose much at all about the business aspects of their operations, their revenues are not known.

Northern Quest has been a good neighbor and a generous contributor to many community organizations. And it will be the enterprise most damaged should the Spokanes get permission to proceed with their casino complex, which will include a hotel and mall.