Hood Says State Can’t Stop Casino
Jim Hood released a legal opinion yesterday saying there is nothing the state can do to block the building of an Indian casino on Choctaw tribal lands. Hood had previously not said anything regarding the matter; as virtually every other statewide office holder (all Republicans) had come out against the casino. While there opposition is rooted in economic reasons and disapproval from Jones county leaders, Hood did not offer what he personally believed- just what he saw as legal precedent.
Miko Beasley Denson, head of the tribe, was obviously pleased and offered this: “We are pleased with the Attorney General’s analysis of the Compact. Governor Kirk Fordice had the wisdom, vision and courage to sign the Compact in 1992, recognizing the sovereignty of this Tribe and the positive impacts that gaming provides to the Tribal government, as well as the positive economic impact it has beyond the Tribe’s borders. And although there is some disagreement among state leaders with our decision, we will continue to work with our allies at the federal, state and local level to make this project a win-win.”
Also yesterday, before the AGs opinion was released, Fourth District candidate Steven Palazzo came out against the casino plans. Here is part of his statement: “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.”
Most of Jones county is in MS-04, including (I believe) the tribal lands. Please correct me if I’m wrong on this. And as far as I know, Rep. Gene Taylor has been quiet on the issue.
Since Steven Palazzo is a regular gamer and therefore a supporter of 2 local casinos, the Hard Rock and Beau Rivage he has a conflict of interest here. He has his local places where he enjoys his drink and Craps Tables; that’s fine, but do you think he has an objective opinion on who should build or not build a casino that may compete with his buddies establishments? There is a conflict in interest here.
It is interesting what Palazzo selects to comment officially on and how other far more important issues he is silence.
We can all see it is only because it is an election year we hear anything at all from him. Unless you ar in his circle of elites. Palazzo is very quiet as he sits in the dug-out of life in politics until his coach (the Republican Establishment) calls him out to campaign, then he comes out and kicks up some dirt, rubs dirt on his face to give the appearance he’s been in the game all along. It is deceptive to me.
If Palazzo is trying to convince voters he is engaged in Mississippi, then he had to be involved in our issues and listening to the people consistently over his years of “representing” us, not just coming out the season of a campaign, and putting on a face of fierce concern.
Gene Taylor has kept himself involved year round around the clock. Even with the one vote I disapproved of, Taylor is at least engaged in our lives. I want someone who is always in the game, supporting Mississippi, communicating, participating and that is not Palazzo.