It was brought to the public’s attention by the county’s counsel Cathy Christian that the Buena Vista Rancheria Tribe consists of a mother and four children who live in Sacramento. The question was raised as to whether the county has been actually dealing with the tribe, or with the attorneys, investors and developers that have an interest in the casino being built. Former Ione Interim City Manager George Lambert said that the US Congress needed to “hear the noise” coming from Amador County public, and urged that the people of Amador County write letters to the Federal and State representatives. Lambert also said that the county should stick to its guns about the lawsuit and let it play itself out.

However, eighteen-year resident James Towan said that the government had already said that the tribe has a right to a casino, and that the board shouldn’t sit and debate the issue after the fact. The Board of Supervisors opposes the expansion of Indian Gaming in the county, and has been seeking public input about whether to continue in litigation, or to accept an Intergovernmental Services Agreement with the tribe. If the board rejects the agreement, it is likely the tribe and county will go into arbitration, where it would be uncertain what mitigations the county would receive. The next workshop is scheduled for this Saturday, February 16 from 1-3PM at the County Board Chambers at 810 Court Street in Jackson. A final vote by the Board of Supervisors is scheduled for February 26th. Comments can be submitted to the Board of Supervisors.