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Connecticut Anti-Casino Groups Still Vigilant

CONNECTICUT – As reported by the Connecticut Day: "In the small town where residents formed an anti-casino movement two years ago, things have come full circle.

"MaryBeth Gorke-Felice, a bed-and-breakfast owner who fears Woodstock could lose its rural character if the Nipmuc tribe opens a casino in the area, has become an expert on issues surrounding the federal recognition of American Indian tribes as well as the social costs of casino gambling. She and her husband, Tony, answer the telephone for the Connecticut Alliance Against Casino Expansion, a statewide, nonprofit group whose board of directors Gorke-Felice co-chairs.

"The alliance has won some battles, its members are quick to point out, especially last year's repeal by the General Assembly of the Las Vegas Nights law that enabled the Mashantucket Pequots and Mohegans to open their casinos in southeastern Connecticut.

"But the anti-casino fight is far from over, with the recent recognitions of the Eastern Pequots and the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, impending decisions on the Golden Hill Paugussetts and Nipmucs, and about nine other area tribal groups petitioning for recognition.

"'What has to happen now is we have to go federal,' Gorke-Felice said Monday night as residents of several towns filed into the auditorium at Woodstock Academy to hear about the alliance's latest efforts.

"…The alliance has trekked to several western Connecticut towns since the Schaghticokes were recognized in late January…"

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