Editorial: Clinton Pattea made Fort McDowell Nation 'stronger'

Gaming agreements should not dominate the legacy of Clinton Pattea, who died Friday at age 81. He was a businessman, an educator and a leader of surpassing talent.

Still, at a critical moment in his people’s history, Pattea was an unparalleled negotiator. Like a war-wise field general, he gave some ground to gain advantage. The little deal with Symington in 1992 to operate 250 gaming machines became a new deal in 1993 for 475 machines. Which eventually became the multifaceted entertainment enterprise we see today.

Pattea gave the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation an opportunity to thrive, a chance his people seized. You can hardly ask more of a leader.