Casino Entertainment Project News

Project Partners

Community Partners Profiles

GLT Commitment to the Community

The Truth About Gaming

Vendor Opportunities

Employment Opportunities

---

Date: December 30, 2002

MATCH-E-BE-NASH-SHE-WISH BAND OF POTTAWATOMI INDIANS DISAPPOINTED IN GOVERNOR ENGLER'S PASS TO GOVERNOR-ELECT GRANDHOLM ON GUN LAKE CASINO, WITH RECOMMENDATION TO SIGN

Governor Engler Says Gun Lake Casino "Inevitable"

Tribe Looks Forward To Working With Governor-Elect Granholm

State To Bring Jobs, Economic Development, Local and State Revenue Sharing

DORR, Mich. Dec. 30, 2002 - Editors Note: The following statement may be attributed to Mr. D. K. Sprague, Tribal Chairman, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, commonly known as the Gun Lake Tribe:

"The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians is disappointed that Gov. Engler has declined to sign the Gun Lake Casino compact which received recent, overwhelming Legislative support.

"While we are disappointed, it is valuable to note that Gov. Engler issued a five page letter concluding: '…the Gun Lake Compact approved by the Legislature has merit and should be signed,' and that: 'I will recommend to Governor Granholm that she sign the compact as urged by the Legislature.' "

"The letter from Gov. Engler also states: 'The reality is that the Gun Lake Tribe will inevitably open a casino.'

"We look forward to working with Governor-elect Granholm to complete the process, which will benefit the people and school children of Michigan as well as the citizens of Allegan and Barry counties, and southwestern Michigan.

"We then look forward to opening the Gun Lake Casino so that we can bring more than 4,300 badly needed jobs, local supplier purchases, local and state revenue sharing, economic development and a proven recreational attraction to this part of the state.