Indiana residents keep up opposition to proposed Indian casino

Wednesday, April 26, 2000 | 2:25 a.m.

More than 130 residents expressed their opposition to the casino Monday during the second public meeting held this year about the project.

Residents fear the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indians are behind the attempted land rush of some 1,300 acres along U.S. 31, north of LaPaz, near the Marshall-St. Joseph County line.

Land purchase options have been obtained in the area by Stone Real Estate of Mishawaka on behalf of Northern Indiana Holdings LLC. John Miller, a spokesman for the Pokagons, refused to comment on the site north of LaPaz, but did say his tribe is looking to buy 1,300 acres in the St. Joseph River valley.

"We must resist it," said John Wolfe, a legalized gambling opponent. "Put this monster (gambling) back in the cage."

Officials who spoke against land-based casino gambling included State Rep. Gary Cook, D-Plymouth; Center Township Advisory Board President Mary Jo Finley; LaPaz Fire Chief Roger Ecker; and Edgar Clifton of the LaPaz Town Council.

U.S. Reps. Steve Buyer and Tim Roemer also voiced their opposition in statements read by representatives of their respective offices. But a spokesman for the Pokagons wasn't swayed by the opposition.

"It doesn't change our position in any way," the spokesman, Tom Shields, said. "At this point in time the tribe has no plans to open or establish a casino in the Marshall County area. The tribe had signed an agreement memorandum with the Department of Interior that allows them to take land in trust in Indiana."

Shields said the tribe is looking for potential sites for a traditional reservation.