Choctaw Indians prepare for new casino referendum

Monday, March 6, 2000 | 9:30 a.m.

The referendum is scheduled for Tuesday.

The Tribal Council approved a resolution to build the casino in September 1999.

The balloting, though, isn't without controversy.

Critics contend the wording of the ballot is written to all but guarantee the resolution's approval.

The ballot proposition asks if the resolution will be killed, or repealed. A "Yes" vote would strike down the resolution that approved the casino; while a "No" vote would mean a go-ahead with plans to construct a $288 million facility tentatively named The Golden Moon.

The Tribal Council approved a second casino by a vote of 10-6 on Sept. 23, 1999, but a petition signed by almost 1,200 tribal members forced a referendum on the issue.

Linda Farve, councilwoman of the Pearl River Community, voted against the construction of a second casino because of the projected cost of building it.

If it's built, Chief Phillip Martin's "Golden Moon" casino would feature 90,000 square feet of gambling space, a 600-room hotel and an 80-foot-diameter golden globe restaurant atop the building.

The Choctaws already own and operate the Silver Star, the state's only land-based casino. It has been expanded three times since it opened

If voters approve the referendum, the second casino would be located near the Silver Star on Highway 16 east.