2.06.08
Hearing for 2 new Mich. casinos divides crowd
Some fear Detroit will be hurt, others seek job creation
By TODD SPANGLER
FREE PRESS WASHINGTON STAFF
WASHINGTON -- A proposal to allow two new Indian casinos in Michigan -- one in Romulus and one in Port Huron -- split the Michigan delegation in a congressional hearing today, with Detroit's representatives set against an idea they believe could hurt the city.
The hearing before the House Natural Resources Committee, which oversees American Indian affairs, attracted a wide range of witnesses, including much of the congressional delegation, officials from the tribes themselves and embattled Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.
In his prepared remarks, the mayor said: "Clearly, this legislation would severely harm our city's ability to rebuild and revitalize. We have made great strides and will continue to do so. The investments and the revenues from our three hard-fought-after casinos are paramount to these efforts."
His mother, Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick, and Rep. John Conyers, both Detroit Democrats, argued against the bills, saying they allow for off-reservation gambling in violation of state and federal laws and will damage competition in Detroit's casinos.
But others, including Rep. John Dingell, the longest-serving active member of the House, support the proposals, saying they are needed to create jobs in his district, which includes Romulus.
In his prepared remarks, the Dearborn Democrat said the Romulus project will bring 2,700 "well-paying, on-site union jobs" to the area, not to mention construction jobs.
He also noted the legislation would settle land claims brought by the Bay Mills Indian Community, which wants to build a casino in Port Huron, and the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa, which would build the new casino near the Detroit airport in Romulus.
The hearing was expected to last for several hours with a long list of witnesses.
Some fear Detroit will be hurt, others seek job creation
By TODD SPANGLER
FREE PRESS WASHINGTON STAFF
WASHINGTON -- A proposal to allow two new Indian casinos in Michigan -- one in Romulus and one in Port Huron -- split the Michigan delegation in a congressional hearing today, with Detroit's representatives set against an idea they believe could hurt the city.
The hearing before the House Natural Resources Committee, which oversees American Indian affairs, attracted a wide range of witnesses, including much of the congressional delegation, officials from the tribes themselves and embattled Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.
In his prepared remarks, the mayor said: "Clearly, this legislation would severely harm our city's ability to rebuild and revitalize. We have made great strides and will continue to do so. The investments and the revenues from our three hard-fought-after casinos are paramount to these efforts."
His mother, Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick, and Rep. John Conyers, both Detroit Democrats, argued against the bills, saying they allow for off-reservation gambling in violation of state and federal laws and will damage competition in Detroit's casinos.
But others, including Rep. John Dingell, the longest-serving active member of the House, support the proposals, saying they are needed to create jobs in his district, which includes Romulus.
In his prepared remarks, the Dearborn Democrat said the Romulus project will bring 2,700 "well-paying, on-site union jobs" to the area, not to mention construction jobs.
He also noted the legislation would settle land claims brought by the Bay Mills Indian Community, which wants to build a casino in Port Huron, and the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa, which would build the new casino near the Detroit airport in Romulus.
The hearing was expected to last for several hours with a long list of witnesses.
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