Baldacci Vetoes Passamaquoddy’s Slots

Maine’s Passamaquoddy Tribe does not like Governor John Baldacci – they say he has stabbed them in the back, and his re-election is nothing but bad news for the tribe. They say he acted as though he was in support of the tribes and their attempts to bring in slot machines to support themselves, and then turned on them and ensured the defeat of any slot machine attempt they made.

They say that before he was elected the first time, he came and met with the tribes, promising them that he would help them and get economic assistance. However, that did not happen, and in standing against them with the slot machines he has insured that they are unable to help themselves as well. In his inaugural speech, he said that he would oppose any attempts to get a slot machine casino in the state of Maine – knowing full well that the tribe was currently trying to build a slot machine casino in Sanford.

Then, he vetoed a bill that would have allowed the tribe to bring in a harness racing track with slot machines into Washington County. Voters had approved a similar racino in 2003, and the tribe felt they should have the right to operate one as well. However, he not only vetoed their first attempt at a slot machine racino in 2005, but then vetoed a second attempt in 2006 as well.

Baldacci says he is still trying to work with tribal leaders to ensure a more positive future for them, but that he could not support bringing in slot machines where he felt they should not go. He says he has helped the tribe in ways other than the slot machines, and he is still working toward a better tomorrow.


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