Amador Update – Tribe Calls In Arbitrator

The Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians asserted its right yestreday to call in an arbitrator.

The county said it would not take part in the arbitration proceedings. It said previously that it would continue its federal lawsuit seeking to block construction of the casino.

The tribe's move was expected after the county declined to sign an intergovernmental service agreement with the Me-Wuk to allow construction of the area's second gambling resort.

Last week, the tribe gave notice to the supervisors that an arbitrator would be called in if the county declined to sign a service agreement. The seven-day deadline passed Tuesday night without an agreement.

The tribe's "last, best written offer" was delivered to the county Tuesday.

The supervisors, who are deeply divided, declined the last-minute offer and did not make their own "last,best and final offer," said Terri Daly, county administrative officer.

"Further, the board will not participate in any arbitration proceedings," Daly said in a statement Tuesday.

The arbitration process is winner-take-all.

The arbitrator will review proposals from each side and pick one in its entirety without modification.

Some officials have broached the idea of asking residents to increase the sales tax to help pay for legal fees.

Full Article: http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/799495.html
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My personal view? Amador County has acted on the wishes of the majority of its constituents. I wish them the best of luck and it would set an amazing precedent if they won... but.. it is a long shot and in my view they haven't made the right decision.

Especially when you consider that the Tribe's last offer would have allowed the county to continue the lawsuit and use the tribes own money to pay for it.

Now they want to tax the citizens to pay for it. I just don't get it.

Too much emotion and not enough common sense... Kinda like around here for some in our valley.