Mashantucket Pequots win again!!!

By Pablo Bristol, Cyber.Tribe (pbristol@connix.com),
2 October 1995

A lengthy discussion regarding establishing a Gambling Casino, off reservation, in the State of Connecticut, in the City of Bridgeport, was capped at 5 pm today when Gov. John Rowland selected the Mashantucket Pequots over Steve Wynn's Mirage Hotel Group. Wynn, a Connecticut native and the other finalist amoung six indicated interested groups, has yet to comment.

In comments earlier, Gov. Rowland stated that it was not difficult to make up his mind. And at the announcement, Gov. Rowland paid tribute to the works of the tribe and their citizenship. Michael Brown, CEO of Foxwoods, the tribe's origional Casino, noted that the tribe had been citizens longer than anyone else.

The Mashantucket Pequots, who's adult population numbers less than 200, have been extremely careful who they have relied upon for assistance in they increadable rise from the ashes almost every Eastern Woodland tribe has found itself in. And as they have grown they have shared with their fellow Nutmeggers, (their largest contribution - a $2,000,000 donation to help bring the World Special Olympics to New Haven this summer.) and with their fellow Native Americans, with a $10,000,000 donation to the National Museum of the American Indian. All this in addition to sharing their take on the slot machines, giving the State of Connecticut 25% of the profit, which amounts to $400,000,000 donated to State coffers annually.

Although the Legislature must approve gambling in the State, it is my feeling that it may just happen. In any case, some very important people have said some very nice things about Indians in Connecticut today. And everyone could hear it!!

Perhaps the Circle closed just a little today.

Suave...

Pablo