The Buffalo Thunder Resort in New Mexico. Photo from Facebook / Cornell & Company / Mike Wilson
Gov. George River of Pojoaque Pueblo responds to criticism over the tribe's proposed Class III gaming compact in New Mexico:
For the Pueblo, it is important that we stay focused on what can be achieved through our government-to-government relationships and, equally as important, within the parameters established by Congress. We have expressed repeatedly to Governor Martinez’s lead negotiator and state legislative committees that we must do away with business restrictions. We must be able to compete outside of the local markets. The reality is that tribal gaming is no longer in a climate of growth, rather one of controlled contraction and sustainability. Tribes within New Mexico have engaged in a path of responsibility for their own economic development, social programs and self-governance, and we must now narrow our focus to providing essential governmental services, tribal programs and economic development in a contracting market. What Governor Martinez fails to mention is that New Mexico tribes engaged in gaming are creating jobs, far beyond the job growth capable of other New Mexico businesses. In an area such as northern New Mexico, where it is difficult to create any jobs, the Pueblo of Pojoaque is the largest private employer north of Santa Fe. The Pueblo provides 1,500 New Mexico residents with employment and employment-related benefits. As an employer, the Pueblo pays a total of $43 million in annual payroll and benefits for employees of both the Pueblo’s businesses and tribal government combined. Our gaming/resort businesses alone employ 900 residents, and the payroll and benefits total approximately $30 million.Get the Story:
Gov. George Rivera: Pojoaque will still regulate visitors’ behavior at casino (The Albuquerque Journal 8/1) More Opinions:
Guy C. Clark / Stop Predatory Gambling New Mexico: Pojoaque’s arguments ignore federal tribal gambling law (The Albuquerque Journal 8/1)
Robert Trapp: Indian Gambling Compacts Ensure Level Playing Field (The Rio Grande Sun 7/31) Also Today:
Pojoaque Pueblo ad blasts governor over failed gambling talks (The Santa Fe New Mexican 8/1)
Related Stories
Editorial: Proposed Pojoaque Pueblo
compact hurts New Mexico (7/29) Editorial: State must negotiate compact with Pojoaque Pueblo (7/28)
Pojoaque Pueblo defends provisions in proposed gaming deal (7/25)
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