Artist's rendering
of the proposed West
Valley Resort. Image from Tohono O'odham
NationRival tribes paid for local officials to go to Washington, D.C., to oppose the Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino. The Gila River Indian Community paid for Apache Junction Mayor John Insalaco's airfare and hotel, Independent Newsmedia reported. The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community picked up the tab for Mesa Vice Mayor Christopher Glover. Overall, the two tribes have spent nearly $13 million on lobbyists as part of their campaign against the Tohono O'odham Nation casino. They are pushing for passage of the Keep the Promise Act (S.2670 and H.R.1410), a measure that would prevent the Tohono O'odham Nation from using its trust land for the West Valley Resort. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing on the bill on September 17. The local officials attended the hearing and met with lawmakers to show their support for the measure. Get the Story:
Two AJ, Mesa city leaders oppose Indian gaming in West Valley (Independent Newsmedia Inc 9/30)
Local officials travel to D.C. for McCain, Flake anti-gaming bill (KPHO 9/30) Related Stories:
Opponents sue to put Tohono O'odham Nation casino on ballot (9/26)
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