Tribal nations are the opposite sides of a ballot referendum that seeks to authorize a new non-Indian casino in Maine.
The Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe (Pleasant Point and Indian Township) are calling on voters to reject the proposed casino in York County. They say it's a bad deal for their communities, which receive a small percentage of revenues from an existing gaming facility. “This arrangement is written into state law and is intended to strengthen tribal governments and communities,” leaders of the three tribes said in a statement quoted by The Portland Press Herald. “However, the York County casino backers have put our communities’ stability in danger without our permission by undermining the existing revenue sharing agreement.” The announcement came after the Aroostook Band of Micmacs endorsed the project last month. Though the casino would be far from the tribe's reservation, its backers have agreed to fund economic development efforts there. The casino appears on the ballot as Question 1. It goes before voters on Tuesday, November 7. Read More on the Story: