Tribal racino plan gains support from Calais City Council

At their regular meeting on Thursday, August 16, the seven members of the Calais City Council voted unanimously to support the Passamaquoddy Tribe's racino proposal. The statewide referendum will be the first question on the November ballot.

During meetings the preceding Tuesday, August 14, Calais officials got a first look at the feasibility study prepared for the tribe, which includes an option to buy 700 acres above Route 1 along the St. Croix River in the city of Calais. At an open meeting at the Washington County Community College -- dubbed a "working session" by Calais Mayor Vinton Cassidy -- public comment favored the proposal, and the tribe openly explained plans for the racino, the county economy, and its 80-day campaign to push for voter approval of the referendum in the November election.

The referendum asks voters to "authorize a tribal commercial track and slot machines in Washington County." The number of slots is set at 1,500, equal to the number at Hollywood Slots in Bangor, one of the points that support the tribe's call for fairness. High stakes bingo is included in the tribe's proposal.

Although the City of Calais has supported Passamaquoddy development proposals as long ago as 1993, when a non-binding city referendum approved construction of a $20 million casino, the city is not mentioned in this statewide referendum. Donald Soctomah, tribal representative to the state legislature, explained that if the proposal had been for one town and that town had rejected it, an entirely new petition and signature campaign would have been necessary. The choice of Washington County as the location also signaled that "the tribe wants to invest in the people of Washington County," said Rep. Soctomah.

The value for tourism was noted by Indian Township Tribal Chief William Nicholas, who said, "One and a half million people cross this border every year."

Tribal member Stan Meader pointed out that corporate casino profits leave the state. Tribal gaming keeps money in the state and local municipality. "Most people haven't thought about that," said Meader, who then listed the benefits of 300-400 construction jobs and 400 employees in the completed hotel, restaurant and recreation complex which may also be a base for ecotourism. There will be 200 to 250 year-round jobs to support horses, training and track. "We're not cannibalizing any other businesses," Meader said.

Some discussion during the one-hour working session centered on the complex as a "destination resort." When one audience member pointed out the need for a concert venue, Rep. Soctomah pointed out that "eastern Maine doesn't have a conference center."

In discussing economic development, tribal leaders made clear their understanding of the need. Items in the tribe's legislative proposal include 1% of the gross slot machine income each to fund the Washington County Development Authority, career and technical education centers in the county, and scholarships at the Washington County Community College. The University of Maine at Machias would receive 2%. The feasibility study estimates 1% of gross slot revenues will be $140,000 per year.

Tribal leaders present at both council meetings found city councilors in harmony with the values underlying their statewide public relations campaign. The lone dissenter at Tuesday evening's meeting, Rev. Robert Hinton, declared his categorical opposition to gambling. Chief Nicholas replied, "We respect people's social decisions. But we seem to be the only ones bringing these [economic] proposals forward."

Mindful of the recent loss of 150 jobs at the Domtar plant, Chief Nicholas said, "All of us have family and friends and feel the impact of that."

State Senator Kevin Raye of Perry echoed Chief Nicholas. "This referendum has been structured to benefit the people of Washington County."

"Woodland is going to have a real hard time unless somebody puts these people to work," Rep. Soctomah added. "This is about jobs, jobs, jobs."

Rep. Anne Perry of Calais spoke in support of the proposal. "Working with the tribe in Augusta, we have seen change. People who were for tourism want more."

Senator Raye noted, "We have been working for 15 years. We are painfully close. Our fate is in the hands of our fellow Mainers. We have only to look at our neighbors in Bangor to see the benefit of this proposal. I think it's a matter of fairness."

The tribe intends to present its case throughout the state. Pleasant Point Chief Richard Doyle asserted, "Washington County needs the help. We are determined to get something vital. The people of Maine are going to hear from us."

Chief Nicholas added, "We will be going from town to town, starting in the north."

"What if your campaign is unsuccessful?" someone asked. Rep. Soctomah replied, "We will continue with economic development projects 'til the state sees what is needed."