Citizens of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians who oppose plans for a new casino are getting ready for a referendum on the issue.
A date hasn't been officially announced, The Jackson Clarion-Ledger reported. But Chahta for Better Government, whose members won a tribal court decision in favor of the vote on the $25 million Red Water Casino, says it must occur by November 22. "We will have an election on the Red water casino!" the group said in a post on Facebook. "Thank you to everyone for standing by your signature!" Chief Phyliss Anderson and the tribe's election committee had rejected a petition submitted by the group but decided not to pursue an appeal on the matter. "I stand firm in my commitment to this project and the many successes I believe the Red Water Casino can achieve," Anderson said in an August 30 post, when the petition was certified as legitimate. "And I have faith in our Choctaw people to evaluate the project on its merits and make an informed decision. I strongly believe we must work together to create more opportunities now and a brighter future for our children." Red Water, if approved, would be the third gaming facility on the reservation. The flagship is the Pearl River Resort in Philadelphia. A second facility, the Bok Homa Casino, is located in a satellite community. Red Water would be about the same size as Bok Homa. Read More on the Story: