‘Money talks and … there is big money talking to big
politicians.”
‘Money talks and … there is big money talking to big politicians.” That’s how former Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Winter summed up his recent letter to the editor on the proposal to build a $300 million Indian casino on the border of Santa Clara County and San Benito counties just south of Gilroy. It’s a lousy idea – and yet there may very well be an inevitability factor. The big money combined with the big politicians and big federal government protection for Indian “sovereignty” is a tidal wave of sorts that may wash away any local opposition.
So, should we just take the easy way out, wash our hands of the matter and try to squeeze out a few measly monetary concessions for community benefit? Shall we just roll with the tide of inevitability and pretend that the few concessions are more than merely a gesture to bolster public relations for the Indians and the local investors? Not exactly.
South Valley and San Benito County residents should join together and fight the good fight, battling against the “inevitable” until it becomes just that. A casino has little redeeming value for our communities. It’s a lame excuse for economic development, it provides a breeding ground for social ills, adds to traffic congestion and steals dollars from other, more productive, local businesses. When Jack spends his bucks in the casino, he’s not buying shoes for little Allison or going out to dinner with his wife Amy.
Even though the proposed casino is down the road a bit it will affect the Morgan Hill community. The City Council should get off the couch immediately on this issue and declare its formal opposition. The Chamber of Commerce should do likewise.
This is an issue that is going to impact our area for decades, so there’s no sense in taking a wait and see approach. By the time we blink, there could be bulldozers out on Highway 25 clearing the land that will make the investors and five Miwok Indians rich. A very small part of those “riches” will be pledged with calculated purpose to our neighbor, San Benito County. Our neighboring county has struggled with economic development and will have a more difficult time resisting the “gifts” presented – new jobs, some tax money and some pledges for public works or public benefit projects.
That’s why it’s important that the opposition to the casino take on regional tones. Our elected representatives, state and federal, need to hear a clear and united message that the surrounding communities do not want an Indian casino here. Only the threat of an albatross hanging around their necks come election time will perhaps fend off the big-money lobbyists and promises from the would-be casino builders.
And if it does happen? … Well, that regional voice should be used to extract as much as possible for community benefit – remembering that this is indeed a high stakes game with big money on the table.
It’s sadly ironic that it’s come to this: A few Indians bought into a game of high-stakes development poker by shrewd investors who realize they can circumvent planning and other laws because the concept of sovereignty – originally intended to preserve and protect the Indian culture – has been bastardized and allowed to run amok.
Indian casinos represent a corruption of our system. Let’s not suck up to the power and the money behind the proposal in order to get a few crumbs from the blackjack table. Let’s fight the good fight and call a spade a spade – regardless of who’s dealing.
