Passamaquoddy Tribe rejects Maine governor

Monday, January 8, 2007  

In 2002, nearly 90 percent of voters on the Passamaquoddy Tribe Pleasant Point Reservation backed Gov. John Baldacci (D).

But that was before Baldacci opposed the tribe's plans for a casino. And before tribal leaders and members say he renegged on promises to spur economic development on the state's reservations.

So last year, only 5.6 percent of reservation voters supported Baldacci's bid for re-election. That came to a mere 17 votes.

"He's a backstabber," Thomas Lewey, the lieutenant governor of the Pleasant Point Reservation, told The Portland Press Herald. "If I was invited to his inauguration, I would not have gone."

Anti-Baldacci sentiments are easy to find among tribal members. "Vetoing the racino was really shameful. The racino would have provided jobs not just for the reservation but the whole of Washington County. I can't believe he did that," said Hilda Lewis, a tribal council member who owns a flower and gift shop.

The tribe resides on two reservations -- Pleasant Point and Indian Island.

Get the Story:
Tribe's frustration flares anew (The Portland Press Herald 1/7)

Relevant Links:
Pasamaquoddy Tribe, Pleasant Point Reservation - http://www.wabanaki.com
Passamaquoddy Tribe of Indian Township - http://www.passamaquoddy.com
Save Passamaquoddy Bay - http://www.savepassamaquoddybay.org

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