Editorial: Negotiate compact with Gun Lake Tribe

Monday, March 5, 2007  

"When it comes to a proposed casino in Allegan County, the old country song applies: You've got to know when to hold 'em. And know when to fold 'em.

For Michigan, the time to fold will be when land is taken into trust by the federal government for the Gun Lake Tribe. That could happen very soon, depending on court action.

Once the land is in trust, a casino is all but inevitable, and lawmakers and the governor will be forced to deal with the tribe to garner revenue and exercise oversight at the planned Wayland Township complex.

For local governments, the revenue would offset expenses the casino would bring. The state, where budget decisions involve grim choices between competing evils, can't afford to forego funds.

Refusing to negotiate a compact, the contract between the tribe and the state, would be a considerable gamble, likely a losing one for Michigan. The U.S. Department of the Interior, the agency responsible for overseeing tribal gaming, has consistently sided with tribes, in at least one case allowing a casino without a compact."

Get the Story:
Allegan casino: time to deal (The Grand Rapids Press 3/3)