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OCTOBER 6, 2000

Even though the Department of Interior has repeatedly turned down requests to recuse Kevin Gover from the decision-making process regarding two unrecognized Pequot tribes, three Connecticut towns are still complaining about the Assistant Secretary's involvement.

John Leshy, solicitor of the Department of the Interior, again wrote a letter to the three towns, telling them Gover won't be recused from the federal recognition process of the Paucatuck Eastern Pequot and the Eastern Pequot tribes. Gover will be leaving by the time a final determination is made anyway, said Leshy.

The towns claim Gover has a conflict of interest because he used to represent another Connecticut tribe seeking recognition. The towns say his decision to extend preliminary recognition to the two Pequot tribes is opening the door for the Golden Hill Paugussett to receive recognition.

Get the Story:
BIA's Gover to continue role in reviewing 2 tribes' petitions (The New London Day 10/6)

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State to Gover: Get out (Tribal Law 7/21)