What People Are Saying About the

Proposed North Fork Casino

 
“As a legislator representing the California Central Valley, I know first hand the transportation housing, pollution and water problems facing my constituents. Tribal gaming compacts such as the one contemplated for the North Fork will only exacerbate these problems for the citizens of this great valley. Further, I believe that if the North Fork tribe is allowed to move out of its historical lands, the floodgates will be open for other out-of-state casino operators to start lining up dozens of other tribes in the Sierra foothills—and throughout all California—to follow suit.”

Assembly Member Tom Berryhill (1-22-08 letter to Gov. Schwarzenegger)

“There’s a lot at risk for communities throughout California if the North Fork off-reservation casino receives federal approval. It will set a precedent for off-reservation gambling throughout the state. That will make it much easier for the tribes in California that have 21 pending applications to acquire new land for gaming, and the 85 other applications by tribes to acquire more than 8,000 acres of land which may also be used for gaming.”

Cheryl Schmitt, Stand Up for California

“Nothing in the draft EIS addressed the impacts the proposed project would have on Fresno County, even though the same EIS reported that 63% of its patrons will traverse and/or burden Fresno County’s roads and infrastructure.”

Fresno County Supervisor Henry R. Perea (4-11-08 Letter)

“Taking land into trust, miles away from already existing tribal lands, for the sole purpose of conducting Class III gaming sets an objectionable precedent that could result in a grand race to place other major casinos along Highway 99”

State Senator Dean Florez (3-6-08 Letter to Carl Artman)

“I do not support the expansion of gaming to off-reservation sites. Opening this door sets a dangerous precedent for the future of our State. New casinos would impair local communities, area residents, local governments and other Native American tribes and impact the environment.”

Senator Dianne Feinstein (5-8-08 Letter to Gov. Schwarzenegger)

“The public supported Indian gaming on Indian land. They did not support the unbridled expansion of gaming on land NOT included within a tribe’s historical homeland or held in trust for the purpose of gaming.”

Assembly Republican Leader Michael Villines (2-8-08 Letter to Gov. Schwarzenegger)

“The Madera County Board of Supervisors MOU inadequately addresses the massive negative impacts the proposed casino will have on all citizens of the San Joaquin Valley, in particular, air and water quality, traffic congestion and agricultural concerns.”

Former Fresno Mayor Alan Autry (7-18-08 Letter)

“…This casino would be off-reservation and its location along Highway 99 would create a badly congested urban area in what is now a largely rural setting. That’s why we’ve opposed this plan from the beginning and continue to do so”

Fresno Bee Editorial, 4-8-08