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Saturday, June 4, 2005
Tribal leaders ask to meet with governor before veto
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AUGUSTA — Minutes after the Maine Senate gave final approval to a Washington County racino Friday, leaders of the state's American Indian tribes requested a meeting with Gov. John Baldacci. With passage of the bill to allow a tribal-run harness racetrack with up to 1,500 slot machines, the tribes are as close as they have ever been in their pursuit to expand American Indian gaming in Maine. But Baldacci's pledge to veto the racino bill could end months of work by the tribes at the State House. Tribal leaders plan to make a final appeal to the governor, but concede it will be difficult. And there is not enough support in the Senate and House of Representatives at this point to overturn a Baldacci veto. "We are a proud people," said Bill Nicholas, a Passamaquoddy leader. "We are not about bashing the governor for his position. We would just like to have some understanding." In the past month, tribal leaders have spent their days at the State House lobbying lawmakers, and their nights sharing rooms at the Comfort Inn. Others have made daily commutes from the state's three reservations. In past bids to get permission for tribal gaming, the tribes have hired lobbyists and formed partnerships with private groups, said Joseph Socobasin, a Passamaquoddy and lieutenant governor of Indian Township reservation. But this spring, they allied themselves with Washington County leaders and the harness racing community. And at the State House, the tribes, led by Passamaquoddy Rep. Frederick Moore, did their own lobbying. "I think we have been more effective than any lobbyist in the past," Socobasin said. "Nobody can tell our story better than we can." But Baldacci presents the final and most difficult challenge for the tribes. They have sold the racino in the Senate and House as an issue of fairness and a chance to turn around the high unemployment among the tribes and the struggling economy of Washington County. Maine's four tribes would split millions of dollars in annual slot machine revenues. Tribal leaders say the proceeds would go to develop other industries and create jobs. The slot revenues also would go to health care, schools, roads and other needs on their reservations. Penobscot Nation Chief James Sappier said his members need better medical care for diabetes, cancer and other health problems. He has buried 21 members of his tribe in the past 15 months. The average age was 57. "We put this data out. No one pays attention," Sappier said. But Baldacci and lawmakers who oppose the racino do not see it providing a sustainable economic benefit for Washington County. During Friday's Senate debate, opponents said slot machines would bring new problems to the Down East region. Sen. Peter Mills, R-Cornville, said areas of the country with slots gambling have had increases in bankruptcy, divorce rates and crime. "Washington County has enough of all of the above already," Mills said. He and other Senate opponents predicted a racino in Washington County would make one of the state's poorest regions even worse off, increasing the need for social services and other state-funded assistance programs. Baldacci so far has made the case that gambling is the wrong way to develop the state's economy. His spokesman, Lynn Kippax, said the governor plans to veto the bill, but held off Friday. Baldacci wanted to speak with various interested parties and put together a detailed veto message so the public would understand his decision. "The governor wants to make sure he listens to those who want to talk with him about his position," Kippax said. It was unclear Friday whether this would include the tribes. The governor was unable to meet with them before the weekend. Kippax said he was unsure whether a meeting would be set up for next week. Socobasin, the Passamaquoddy lieutenant governor, fears Baldacci is thinking about his bid for re-election next year as he makes this decision. He says a veto may help the governor get votes in southern Maine, where opposition to gambling has been the strongest. Back in Indian Township, he will lose many supporters. "If he vetoes it, we will not give up," Socobasin said. Staff Writer Mark Peters can be contacted at 623-1031 or at:
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