Shelton Opposes Shawnee Tribe Casino
Rep. Mike Shelton today announced his opposition of the Shawnee Tribe's plans to build a casino just 1.7 miles away from Remington Park.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs has opened an official 30-day comment period for state officials to express concerns or support of the land being put into Federal trust, which would allow the Shawnee Tribe to build a casino.
"Since the 30-day comment period on the proposed Shawnee casino complex is open, I feel it is my obligation to express my opposition to the project, as well as my constituents'," said Shelton, D-Oklahoma City.
"By law, Remington Park operates with many more limitations than tribal casinos and pays many times the taxes. To put a less-regulated, less-restrictive casino in Remington Park's backyard is far from fair.
"Personally, I resent the fact that the Shawnee Tribe's promotional materials have stated that their project would be 'good for Remington Park' and I believe the statement is intentionally misleading.
"State Question 712 was passed by Oklahoma voters in November 2004 and approved electronic gaming for Oklahoma racetracks, including Remington Park who was on the verge of closing its doors. The law limits the horsetrack's type of gaming, number of machines and hours of operation, and requires a higher tax rate.
"Remington Park has invested millions in our community, has played by the rules set forth by the state, and has contributed nearly $20 million to Oklahoma education in the 30 months they've had their casino open,"said Shelton.
"Putting nontribal, unassigned land into Federal trust forthe purpose of gaming is a slippery slope we should avoid. In this case, it upsets current law and threatens to harm existing businesses in the community."
The Bureau of Indian Affairs has opened an official 30-day comment period for state officials to express concerns or support of the land being put into Federal trust, which would allow the Shawnee Tribe to build a casino.
"Since the 30-day comment period on the proposed Shawnee casino complex is open, I feel it is my obligation to express my opposition to the project, as well as my constituents'," said Shelton, D-Oklahoma City.
"By law, Remington Park operates with many more limitations than tribal casinos and pays many times the taxes. To put a less-regulated, less-restrictive casino in Remington Park's backyard is far from fair.
"Personally, I resent the fact that the Shawnee Tribe's promotional materials have stated that their project would be 'good for Remington Park' and I believe the statement is intentionally misleading.
"State Question 712 was passed by Oklahoma voters in November 2004 and approved electronic gaming for Oklahoma racetracks, including Remington Park who was on the verge of closing its doors. The law limits the horsetrack's type of gaming, number of machines and hours of operation, and requires a higher tax rate.
"Remington Park has invested millions in our community, has played by the rules set forth by the state, and has contributed nearly $20 million to Oklahoma education in the 30 months they've had their casino open,"said Shelton.
"Putting nontribal, unassigned land into Federal trust forthe purpose of gaming is a slippery slope we should avoid. In this case, it upsets current law and threatens to harm existing businesses in the community."
Labels: Mike Shelton, Remington Park, Shawnee Casino
posted by Mike McCarville @ 4:03 PM
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