Public Reaction and Response
Some people have oppose the Lytton Band's casino plan. U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) in particular expressed opposition in 2003, citing concerns that "off-reservation gambling" would be a strain on local resources, aggravate traffic congestion and increase crime. The mayor of San Pablo expressed shock at the plan in 2004. California Assemblywoman Loni Hancock and mayor of neighboring Richmond also expressed displeasure at the plan, as did U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) in April, 2005 .
Tribal spokespeople countered in 2005 that the casino is "the final act in redressing the wrongs", the reparations for the government's dissolution of their tribe's legal status and reservation lands. They say they will plan to use revenue from the casino to built modest homes, a community center, and a roundhouse, on 50 acres (200,000 m2) in the town of Windsor that they recently purchased. In addition, they say the casino would create 6600 jobs—more than one job per slot machine—and provide the city, county and state governments with 25 percent of gaming revenue. Based on the original, 5,000-machine plan, this amounts to $125 million a year to the state and $4.8 million a year to the city of San Pablo.
Read more about this topic: Lytton Band Of Pomo Indians
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