Thursday, 31 May 2007 00:30

Jackson City Council Votes To Send Letter of Support For Bill That Would Amend IGRA

slide15The Jackson City Council reviewed a request from the “No Casino In Plymouth” otherwise known as the NICP Group to support a bill introduced by Congressman Dan Lungren to amend the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. In a memo to the Council Dr. Elida Malick, Director of the NICP said, “The amendment proposed in this bill seeks to change the law to ensure that community input is considered in land acquisition decisions and that Tribes cannot circumvent local governmental entities by claiming to be an exception to Section 20 of the IGRA.”

Council member Al Nunes said he thinks the City should send a letter of support. Council Member Andy Rodriguez was adamant about not sending the letter. He said, “I see it as a clear case of Indians having something that white people don't think they should have, so they (the white people of Amador County)  are petitioning Congress to take it away from the Indians all nice and legal.” Rodriguez concluded his comments by saying, “I will never vote to do the Indians dirty once again no matter how people phrase it.” Council Member Rosa Lee Pryor-Escamilla agreed there has been a lot of wrong doing in the past, however, she said she did not agree with tribes acquiring land and building casinos that in turn impact small communities. Mayor Stidger agreed with sending the letter as well. “I am in support of the letter and I agree with Andy in regards to history with Native Americans. Right now think we have enough Casinos in Amador County.” In a final vote the Council decided to send a letter of showing support of legislative change on a vote of 4-1 with Council Member Rodriguez voting against sending the letter.

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Also on the agenda Tuesday night was the announcement of Planning Commission and Cemetery Committee Vacancies. City Manager Mike Daly said the item was more for formality’s sake and announced that the terms of three Planning Commissioners: David Butow, Warren Carlton, and Wayne Garibaldi’s seats are all to expire June 30th. The Cemetery seats of Al Nunes and Don Vicini are also set to expire on June 30th. The City will be accepting applications for these seats through Wednesday June 20th and the City Council will appoint a member to open seats at their June 25th meeting. Also at their June 25th meeting the Jackson City Council is scheduled to discuss the merits of the Jackson Hills project.