Opponents sue to put Tohono O'odham Nation casino on ballot

Friday, September 26, 2014

Artist's rendering of the proposed West Valley Resort. Image from Tohono O'odham Nation

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Opponents of the Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino are suing the city of Glendale, Arizona, to put the controversial project on the ballot this November.

Last week, opponents filed two petitions to reverse the city's stance in favor of the $500 million West Valley Resort. The city clerk, however, determined that the subject matter was administrative, not legislative, and declined to put them on the ballot.

"We believe voters should have a chance to decide the issue," Gary Hirsch, the leader of the opposition, told The Arizona Republic.

The tribe broke ground on the facility after signing an agreement with Glendale. The city agreed to oppose the Keep the Promise Act (S.2670 and H.R.1410), a bill that would bar the tribe from using its trust land for gaming.

Get the Story:
Groups sue to put casino deal on ballot (The Arizona Republic 9/26)

An Opinion:
EJ Montini: Broken promise scorecard: Tribes - 1 U.S. - all of them (The Arizona Republic 9/26) Related Stories:
City won't allow vote on Tohono O'odham Nation casino plan (9/18)