Compact Opponents Turn In Signatures

Last Friday, a group opposing the recently amended gaming compacts began to turn in 700,000 signatures to put four referenda on the Feb. 5 presidential primary ballot

The coalition consists of the United Auburn Indian Community, the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Unite HERE International Union and Terry Fancher, managing partner of the parent company of Bay Meadows and Hollywood Park race tracks.

The group opposing these compacts said it has collected enough signatures to let voters decide if the agreements should be revoked. They said the rest of the signatures would be turned in by Monday (Oct 8) to the secretary of state’s office.

“Voters want to have a say, and they want to say no to this drastic change in gaming policy,” Al Lundeen, spokesman for the coalition said.

Roger Salazar, a consultant for the four tribes targeted by the coalition, said those opposing the agreements have their own interests in mind.

“Two wealthy tribes who don’t want competition and a Las Vegas casino mogul were able to bankroll this signature-gathering effort,” Salazar said. “We think these are good agreements, and voters will feel the same when they learn more.”Salazar said a competing petition drive by the Agua Caliente, Morongo, Pechanga and Sycuan tribes collected 100,000 signatures in support of the compacts.

The tribes also sent workers to follow opposition signature gatherers and convinced nearly 15,000 of those who signed to rescind their signatures.If the secretary of state certifies the referenda, the tribes likely would spend tens of millions of dollars more to sway voters.

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