The two candidates for Washington’s
5th Congressional District have expressed differing views on the
Spokane Tribe
off-reservation bid.
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington).
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Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R), who is running for re-election, outright opposes the casino. She claims the Spokane Tribe Economic Project will encroach on the nearby Fairchild Air Force Base even though the military has not raised any concerns.
Joe Pakootas, a
former chairman of the Colville Tribes who is the Democratic candidate for the seat, is taking a different approach.
He said he won't object as long as the Bureau of Indian Affairs determines that it won't be a detriment to the
Kalispel Tribe, which operates the Northern Quest Resort and
Casino in the same area.
The BIA
has issued the final environmental impact study for the West Plains Mixed-Use
Development but has yet to issue a record of decision.
If the agency approves, the state governor will have veto authority under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian
Gaming Regulatory Act.
The Kalispel Tribe opened its casino by following the same two-part determination process. The tribe believes the Spokane casino will be a detriment.
Washington's 5th includes the eastern portion of the Colville Reservation, the
Spokane Reservation and the Kalispel Reservation. Native
Americans make up 2 percent of the population in the district.
Get the Story:
Pakootas clarifies Spokane casino statement
(The Newport Miner 10/22)
$P
Federal Register Notice:
Final Environmental
Impact Statement for the Proposed Spokane Tribe of Indians West Plains Casino
and Mixed Use Project, City of Airway Heights, Spokane County, WA (February
1, 2013)
Related Stories:
County criticized
for fight against Spokane Tribe's casino plan (05/14)