"There are many seductive arguments for supporting the Indian casino planned for 305 acres on Highway 99 north of Madera. You could get blinded by them if you weren't paying attention.
The casino would help members of the North Fork Rancheria of the Mono Indians become self-sufficient. It would give Madera governments $118 million over 20 years to offset problems caused by the casino. It would jump-start the construction industry with almost 2,500 temporary construction jobs. It would add almost 1,500 full-time jobs when the casino and hotel open. Another 2,300 Madera-area jobs would be created because of the economic spinoff of the mega-casino.
But as I look at all the benefits of this casino, one thing keeps nagging at me. If they're going to plop down a casino on Highway 99 in an area that will soon become urban, what stops the next casino from going on Highway 99 at Herndon Avenue or in downtown Fresno?
This proposal would set a huge precedent if approved, because it would mean Indian casinos can go anywhere. This one would be 40 miles from the tribe's original homeland. That might have worked if the North Fork Rancheria had tried to build it on a less controversial site.
But the reason for the Highway 99 location is simple. Being on a heavily traveled highway would mean more gamblers, and more money for the tribe and its Las Vegas partner."
Get the Story:Jim Boren: Casino along Highway 99 is a bad idea in many ways (The Fresno Bee 3/8)
pwlat Another Opinion:
Editorial: Proposed Indian casino would tie up Highway 99 (The Modesto Bee 3/10)
pwlat More Stories:
Highway 99 casino hearing set (The Fresno Bee 3/10)
North Fork Mono Indians Battle for a Casino (KFSN 3/7)
