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Choctaw casino foes want referndum

OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi – As reported by the Mississippi Press: "Opponents of a casino resort proposed by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians are asking for a referendum on the issue next spring, more than one year earlier than the tribe has requested.

"The vote would determine whether there is enough support for a $375 million casino resort the tribe wants to build on Miss. 57 near Interstate 10.

"The Choctaws are not required to seek voters' opinions on their plans, but they have asked supervisors to put the issue of legalized gaming on the November 2008 ballot.

"But Coast Businesses for Fair Play, a group made up of casino executives from Hancock and Harrison counties, is pushing to bring the issue before Jackson County voters as early as March.

"The vote would be non-binding, which means the Choctaws could build their resort even if the public does not support it.

"…Chief Phillip Martin has proposed a casino resort that includes a 1,100-room hotel, 15,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools and a 2,500-square-foot theater.

"…The Choctaws requested a November 2008 referendum because the process of gaining federal approval for their project is 'long and arduous,' a tribal spokesperson said…"

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