Tribal nations are the opposite sides of a ballot referendum that seeks to authorize a new non-Indian casino in Maine.
The
Penobscot Nation and
the Passamaquoddy Tribe (
Pleasant
Point and
Indian
Township) are calling on voters to reject the
proposed casino in York County. They say it's a bad deal for their communities, which receive a small percentage of revenues from an existing gaming facility.
“This arrangement is written into state law and is intended to strengthen tribal governments and communities,” leaders of the three tribes said in a statement quoted by The Portland Press Herald. “However, the York County casino backers have put our communities’ stability in danger without our permission by undermining the existing revenue sharing agreement.”
The announcement came after the
Aroostook Band of
Micmacs endorsed the project last month. Though the casino would be far from the tribe's reservation, its backers have agreed to fund economic development efforts there.
The casino appears on the ballot as
Question
1. It goes before voters on Tuesday, November 7.
Read More on the Story:
Maine’s Two Largest Tribes Oppose Casino Ballot Question
(Maine Public November 3, 2017)
Penobscot, Passamaquoddy chiefs criticize York County casino proposal
(The Portland Press Herald November 2, 2017)
Wicked battle over a possible third casino in Maine
(Harnesslink November 2, 2017)
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