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Iowa Tribe Upset with Letter-Writing Campaign

WATERLOO, Iowa – As reported by the Cedar Valley Courier: "A letter-writing campaign called for by the Waterloo and Cedar Falls chambers of commerce has miffed a spokesman for the Meskwaki Indians of Tama, who says the organizations received wrong information that misrepresents the tribe.

"In an e-mail to Waterloo and Cedar Falls chamber members, Steve Firman, manager of government affairs for both chambers, urged members to e-mail the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission and its members and encourage them to lift a moratorium on gambling expansion. The commission is expected to discuss the issue at 9:30 a.m. June 10 at the Stoney Creek Inn in Johnston.

"In his message, Firman states, 'We have just learned that the Christian Coalition and the Meskwakis have started a letter-writing campaign to the commission opposing expansion. Letters being received by the commission are reported to be running 2-1 against further gaming expansion. It is imperative that you write as soon as possible.'

"The tribe has mounted no such letter-writing campaign, Meskwaki spokesman Tom Jochum said.

"…Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission administrator Jack Ketterer confirmed the commission has received a considerable amount of mail on the issue but could not say for certain whether letters are running for or against lifting the moratorium. The messages are posted on a weekly basis for the commissioners to review…"

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