Members dismayed over Governor's letter

PABLO - Last week valley residents including tribal members, were polled as to their reaction to the recent letter from Governor Brian Schweitzer regarding his explanation of the failed gaming negotiations. Of those that received the letter, which appears to be only tribal members, and not everyone as previously reported in the news, many were dismayed. A last minute attempt to contact Sarah Elliott, the Governor's Communications Director on Tuesday, proved to futile, as CKN was unable to speak with the spokesperson.

"I thought he was subversive," stated one vocal tribal member. Many wanted to know who supplied the addresses.

"I considered it a slap in the face," was another comment from a tribal employee who wished to remain anonymous.

Only two tribal members thought the letter was good and that [he] was honest. Some also stated that they felt it was a waste of tax-payers' money, as there are more than 3,000 members who reside on the reservation that are eligible to vote.

Some failed to realize that the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was written for tribes and not for states.