San Diego Union-Tribune Letters to the editor
November 29, 2007

In his letter to the editor, “Why opposition grows to more Indian gaming” on Nov. 15, Randy Bradley of Alpine criticizes former Viejas Chairman Anthony Pico for suggesting that the public’s perception of Native Americans has been clouded by the success some tribes have had with tribal government gaming.

Pico expressed concern that many people may now forget about the beautiful and culturally rich history of Native Americans and only see them as wealthy, even though many tribes don’t have the benefit of gaming and those that do give a lot back to their tribal communities, as well as their surrounding communities. California voters gave us the right to tribal gaming in 2000, and because of that many Indian tribes have been able to become self-sufficient and self-reliant, and have risen from the poverty that had once stricken them just a decade ago.

Bradley’s letter only confirms the fears expressed by Pico. In his letter, Bradley makes one misstatement after another. Examples:

1) Bradley says Viejas should be providing funds and health care to their tribal members and other tribes. Viejas does exactly that. Revenues from Viejas’ tribal government gaming go directly to support the health and well-being of Viejas tribal members. Gaming revenue provides tribal members with health care, education, senior and child care, police and fire protection, roads, sewer and other infrastructure. In addition, all gaming tribes in California have revenue-sharing agreements that provide money to non-gaming tribes.

2) Bradley says Viejas has been openly fighting attempts by its Indian brethren to open new casinos. Quite the contrary, Viejas has not opposed the pending tribal gaming compacts and is, in fact, actively assisting two local non-gaming tribes that seek to establish gaming operations: the Manzanita Tribe and the Ewiiaapaayp Tribe.

3) Bradley says “these tribes need to be better neighbors if they want continued support.” Last year alone, Viejas contributed more than $2.2 million to charitable and civic organizations, including many in Alpine. Viejas employs more than 2,300 people, with a payroll of more than $80 million in 2006. Many of the team members who benefit from Viejas’ good wages and benefits are from Bradley’s own community of Alpine. Viejas also works with more than 5,700 vendors and has a policy of supporting local vendors whenever practical.

The bottom line is that Viejas has a very strong and positive relationship with the people and businesses of Alpine, and all of Southern California. We are proud of that relationship and look forward to building upon it in the years ahead.

BOBBY BARRETT
Chairman
Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians

© Copyright 2007 Union-Tribune Publishing Co. • A Copley Newspaper

Posted on November 29th, 2007 by hunwut
Filed under: Community, Opinion