Public comment was overwhelmingly against the agreement and any negotiations with the Tribe. George Lambert said that agreeing to the ISA is a slippery slope. “Would the County’s future legal position be weakened by approving to the ISA today?” said Lambert. Another citizen, Walter Dimmers, was equally concerned with the Tribe’s ability to take the land into trust. “We have been informed by officials at the Department of the Interior that this agreement will greatly facilitate any application (by the Tribe) to take land into trust,” said Dimmers. As in past Board meetings, Gary Colburn of Plymouth was the only resident who voiced approval for the casino. “Today we are in a position where we have approved our bargaining position, but will find out when bargaining day comes that we were behind the 8 ball because we haven’t been paying attention for 4 years. The county needs a casino. I don’t believe that the impacts are anywhere near what people say they are,” said Colburn.
Citizens questioned the intentions of the Board, implied conspiracies when referencing their backroom discussions, and questioned the legality of the blue slip item in meeting with Brown Act regulations. Also in keeping with past meetings, there was no shortage of emotional input. Speakers often referenced the issue of school safety, increased crime, and water shortages.
In their closing statements, Supervisors Escamilla and Novelli retained their positions in favor of approving the ISA agreement. Louis Boitano remained against the agreement, saying simply that he was “listening to the voice of the people.” But it was Supervisor Forster who surprised the audience with a “no” vote after many present were convinced that he was preparing to switch his position and approve the agreement with it’s new stipulation. “It was strategic to make the first move and we never thought the tribe would accept our proposal. We never thought they’d take it but they did. Even Saddam Hussein had his day in court,” said Forster. Today’s decision marks the beginning of a new chapter in this tense history between the County and the Tribe.
