Casino Stalker | Opinion

Paper publishes large number of anti-Spokane casino letters

Thursday, December 1, 2011

The Spokesman Review has published an unusual number of letters in opposition to the Spokane Tribe off-reservation casino.

In November, the paper ran at least six anti-casino letters. Only one letter -- submitted by a tribal member -- was favorable towards the project.

One of the latest anti-casino letters comes from Irv Zakheim of Citizens Against Casino Expansion. The group claims to represent businesses and residents who oppose the casino.

The anti-casino letters seem to be coming from local business owners who could be a part of Zakheim's effort. Most writers claim the casino will harm the nearby Fairchild Air Force Base even though the Federal Aviation Administration determined there would be no impact.

One letter was written by a woman who describes herself as the "director of Community Impact Spokane, and it is a network of concerned Christians, caring people that recognize the importance of defending the Judeo-Christian ethic in public policies, and especially on moral issues." The woman has claimed that Spokane might turn into a "gay mecca" and has expressed anti-gay views.

Get the Story:
Irv Zakheim: Get facts on proposed casino (The Spokesman Review 12/1)
Greg Mahugh: Don’t buy casino spin (The Spokesman Review 12/1)