Free Republic

Saying he questions a sovereign Indian tribe’s role in a local government process, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger late on Friday vetoed the bill that would have made the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians an official partner in managing Conaway Ranch, if Yolo County officials acquire it through eminent domain. The legislation, AB 1747 by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk, D-Davis, would have made the tribe a member alongside Yolo County officials and others of the joint powers authority created for Conaway Ranch. The tribe has offered to loan the county money for the acquisition. The county and tribe say the veto does not...

<p>State and local governments, the tribal gaming establishment and various newspapers have lined up to oppose situating Indian casinos near cities. This chorus of nays exposes an elaborate hypocrisy.</p> <p>Let's start with Gov. Gray Davis' disapproval of a site near Interstate 80 and Reed Avenue in West Sacramento for the Upper Lake Pomo tribe. According to his spokesman Russ Lopez, "The governor feels strongly that gaming should not be allowed in urban areas on non-traditional sites." He wants to restrict the action to rural areas, such as the Capay Valley, where I live.</p>

<p>After months of negotiations, the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians and Yolo County officials struck a tentative agreement Wednesday that reduces the size of a proposed expansion of the Cache Creek Indian gaming casino.</p> <p>The deal also requires the tribe to pay Yolo County more than $80 million over the next 18 years to mitigate traffic, air quality and other problems.</p>