Five New Mexico tribes called on state lawmakers to reject a Class III gaming compact for the Navajo Nation at a hearing on Wednesday.
Leaders from Laguna Pueblo, Acoma Pueblo, San Felipe Pueblo and the Jicarilla Apache Nation said their casinos would be devastated if the Navajos are allowed to open three more Class III facilities. And a Pojoaque Pueblo leader objected to a provision that calls for more revenue sharing. Navajo leaders defended the agreement, which was negotiated with Gov. Susana Martinez (R). It addresses some concerns raised by an earlier deal that drew from other tribes. "We need economic development and employment," Navajo President Ben Shelly told the Committee on Compacts, the Associated Press reported. The committee will determine whether to approve the compact or ask the tribe and Martinez to go back into negotiations. Get the Story: