The Cherokee Nation Council voted down a measure that would have restricted subcontract work at a new casino to Indian-owned firms.
Some council members said Indian business should get the first shot at $5 million in work at the new casino. “Why send that money off to contractors in Phoenix, Dallas, Kansas City or Oklahoma City — where the money won’t reach the Cherokee people?” said Bill John Baker, The Muskogee Phoenix reported. “These are tough economic times.” The legislation was voted down 9 to 8. Get the Story: