Phillip Thompson, lawyer for the California Valley Miwok Tribe,
answers questions about a proposed casino for Highway 25.
The landless, federally recognized tribe and a group of
non-tribal local investors will decide within the next two weeks
whether to go ahead with the idea.
Phillip Thompson, lawyer for the California Valley Miwok Tribe, answers questions about a proposed casino for Highway 25.
The landless, federally recognized tribe and a group of non-tribal local investors will decide within the next two weeks whether to go ahead with the idea.
Q: News of the casino proposal leaked to the press. Is that affecting the search for land?
A: “We’re still on our same timetable, … (but) it could affect the purchase of the parcel.”
Q: Has a casino site been secured yet?
A: “We think that somebody may want to (sell) the land for a price at a later date. … That could be over a year from now. … It’s not appropriate at this time to talk about the land.”
Q: Have any of the local investors been involved in the gambling business in the past?
A: “Not that I’m aware of. They’d probably end up hiring expertise.”
Q: Are there any links between this tribal casino proposal and one for San Pablo in the East Bay?
A: “None whatsoever.”
Q: What kind of wages would the casino pay its workers?
A: “I think our wages will be fair living wages.”
Q: Would the casino serve alcohol?
A: “I would anticipate that some kind of alcohol will be served.”
Q: Would local residents have any input on the project?
A: Yes. The tribe would set up public meetings, a Web site and a toll-free phone number to solicit public comment and let locals “help us shape” the casino. “That is a pledge we are making. … It’s going to be an open process.”
