Palazzo Against Further Expansion of Gaming
Biloxi, MS – U.S. Congressional candidate Steven Palazzo has taken a stand
against the expansion of gaming in Mississippi. The Mississippi Band of
Choctaw Indians (MBCI) recently announced plans to open a slot parlor on the
Bogue Homa Reservation in Jones County, which does not currently allow
gaming.
“Constituents in District 4, along with statewide and local elected
officials, have expressed their opposition for this project. The proposed
Choctaw Casino does not have the local support necessary for profitability.
There has been a lack of communication between the MBCI and the officials
and residents of Jones County. The Jones County site is different than the
Neshoba County site, where the MBCI demonstrated a cohesive plan when
proposing and developing the original Pearl River Resort. At the time, the
MBCI showed strong internal support for the project, and the Tribe was
supported by statewide leadership when the Neshoba County compact was
signed.
“The MBCI elected to proceed with the Jones County casino with an 8-7 vote,
indicating less-than-desirable internal support for the project. The Jones
County Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution indicating their
opposition to the project, and statewide officials including Governor Haley
Barbour, Lt. Governor Phil Bryant, Auditor Stacey Pickering, Treasurer Tate
Reeves, Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney, and Agricultural Commissioner
Lester Spell have all signed a letter expressing their opposition.
“I am strongly against the expansion of gaming beyond counties where it
already exists. The residents of Jones County deserve an opportunity for
their opinions to be heard, and they should not be forced to have an
unwanted casino in their community. I encourage the MBCI to reconsider
their plans to bring gaming to Jones County. This proposed facility is not
a destination facility like other gaming sites in Mississippi, and will only
serve to take money out of the local economy.”
Palazzo Press
6/20/10
Magnolia Tribune
