Tribe rejects casino compact, risks shutdown

Thursday, Oct. 14, 1999 | 11:08 a.m.

The Tule River Indian Tribe in Tulare County missed the Wednesday deadline to sign the compact with the Davis administration.

By missing the deadline, the tribe risks having the U.S. Justice Department seize the slot machines at its Porterville area casino, said Hilary McLean, a Davis spokeswoman.

"If that tribe wants to test the federal government's resolve on the issue of non-compacted gaming, then that certainly is their prerogative," McLean said.

Tule River Tribe officials contend Davis bargained in "bad faith" and exceeded his authority by requiring tribes to accept labor agreements and other conditions having nothing to do with regulating gambling.

"No other state in the union has required tribes to negotiate like this," said Tule River Chairmans Philip D. Hunter in a written statement.

Nearly 60 tribes have signed the compact, which won't be valid unless a state constitutional amendment proposed for the March ballot is approved.

McLean said Davis negotiated the deal in good faith.

"He has signed agreements with many, many tribes," she said.

Tule River said it doesn't object to labor unions, but believes such decisions should be made by the tribal governments.

Other provisions they objected to include rules governing environmental impacts, food and beverage handling, check cashing, credit extension prodecures and workplace discrimination, said Tule River attorney Scott Crowell.

The tribe wants to negotiate with Davis and is threatening to go to federal court to request a mediator.