Letter to the editor (The Sun Herald)

Tribes' special status can buy plenty of politicians
Re: Sun Herald article of Sept. 28, "Choctaws offer share of profits":

Don't be taken for fools. An Indian casino is forever exempt from state and local laws. I know because the federal government forced my state to have two of these monstrosities against the will of the people.

Due to their seeming ability to print money, they can donate - as a government, no less - to all politicians' campaigns without being restrained by campaign finance laws. As a government, they are not bound by the limits put on corporations and organizations. That makes your voice as a voter worth about zero.

Your local planning and zoning also become moot when a tribe wants to build something. Our several small southeast Connecticut towns spent years and lots of money deciding via referendum just how we wanted the state roads to be improved or made safer. Our votes were all trashed when the Mashantucket Pequot tribe decided they wanted a four-lane highway with a cloverleaf and a direct exit to their multiple casinos. Since they were paying for this "ego" road, the state did not hold any public hearings. It is getting built through our towns with no local input. Even a court case by the citizens was rebuffed.

Don't be bought for a few gold coins when something more precious is at stake.

BETTY PERKOWSKI North Stonington, Conn.