The battle over whether a Broken Arrow casino should be opened is gaining momentum today. One question is who has the governing rights? The Kialegee Tribal Town?
Congressman John Sullivan says he is not giving up--and neither are the developers. Channel 8's Kim Jackson says this could lead to legislation--as well as much more debate.
Congressman john Sullivan spoke in this room today--for a town hall meeting.
But right--here made a promise to do whatever he can stop this casino from going up. The building--is going on. The plan is to open--in March. But Congressman John Sullivan says it won't be a casino.
"They can build a restaurant or retail outlet," he says. But Sullivan says the developers--don't have the right to build a casino on the land. He says there needs to be a gaming license--and environmental impact statement. Sullivan says he's working with the National Indian Gaming Commission to stop the process.
"Because of the heat that has been on it in Washington they are taking their time, crossing every T and dotting every I at the National Indian Gaming Commission so they can make a good decision. I feel they will be making a decision relatively soon,"
Right now, the NIGC--is investigating--if this land indeed governed by the Kialegee tribe--the attorney for the developers says--that is the only issue at hand.
"If it is decided there is no tribal or government jurisdiction over the land, meaning it is not Indian land for gaming, and if that is the decision which I don't expect, we will deal with that when it comes," said Dennis Whittlesey, attorney for the Kialegee Tribe and development team.
Whittlesey says he expects the protests--they happen all over the country, he says.
And that is an issue for Congressman Sullivan who says his bill will provide more local control--if and when this does happen again.
"This will open a Pandora's Box, we will have these gaming companies who are hired--attorneys hired by gaming companies scouring countryside here in Oklahoma around the country, looking for these allotted lands to abuse the system and get a gaming license and open a casino which are lucrative.
Sullivan says when he leaves here, he will continue talks in Washington.
The business will open in March--but will it be a casino or a sports bar? We will have to see what happens over the next two months.
