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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2001

Although abandoned by his colleagus, the leader of the Connecticut town of Preston says he will continue to meet with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

Along with two other towns, Preston had been discussing land-into-trust with the tribe. The tribe has proposed a settlement on the issue but Ledyard and North Stonington dropped out, citing displeasure with the agreement.

Preston First Selectman Robert Congdon says the tribe has made a good faith effort to talk, so he will not drop out. He met informally with Pequot Chairman Kenneth Reels on Tuesday and agreed to meet again soon.

Congdon added that the talks were doomed to failure because the towns weren't willing to actively participate. The towns were apparently waiting for Reels and the tribe to satisfy their every demand, rather than negotiate.

The tribe has proposed to limit land-into-trust applications to 880 acres over the next 35 years, make payments on those lands to the three towns in lieu of taxes and adhere to zoning regulations as strict as local ones. The tribe is also waiving some form of sovereign immunity should disputes arise.

Get the Story:
Preston, tribe to continue talks (The Norwich Bulletin 10/17)
Congdon says it’s time for towns, tribe to meet for earnest talks on land dispute (The New London Day 10/17)

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