Litigation | Openings & Closings

Mayoral candidate embraces Fond du Lac Band urban casino

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Artist's rendering of the new exterior of the Fond-du-Luth Casino in Duluth, Minnesota. The tribe is spending $5.5 million to renovate the facility. Image from Fond du Lac Band

A mayoral candidate in Duluth, Minnesota, wants to set a new tone in relations with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

The city has been fighting the tribe over the operation and expansion of the Fond-du-Luth Casino. The battle continues even as the tribe has won every round in the federal and state courts.

Chuck Horton, a former boxer who recently earned a degree at the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, plans to change course if he wins election in November. He wants to work with the tribe on the $5.5 million expansion of the facility.

"Those are good jobs. Those are good — raise-your-family type of jobs. Why aren’t we working with them in partnership?” Horton told The Duluth News Tribune.

Mayor Don Ness has served two terms in office but isn't seeking re-election. He has repeatedly criticized the tribe for pulling out of a revenue sharing agreement that has been invalidated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Get the Story:
Horton enters political ring with run for Duluth mayor (The Duluth News Tribune 5/19)

8th Circuit Decision:
Duluth v. Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (May 8, 2015)

Prior 8th Circuit Decision:
City of Duluth v. Fond Du Lac Band (January 14, 2013)