Joint Tribal Council Urges Towns to Move Forward With Casino Approval

By Tim Jensen (Patch Staff)

MMCT Venture, the company created by the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes to establish a casino in north-central Connecticut in response to the planned MGM casino in Springfield, Mass., has sent a letter to officials in East Hartford, East Windsor, Hartford and Windsor Locks urging them to move forward with town approval.

In the letter, signed by Kevin Brown, chair of the Mohegan Tribal Council, and Rodney Butler, chair of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council, elected officials are told, “should you choose to conduct a referendum on this project, MMCT will compensate the town for the expenses associated with that process.”

Here is the text of the letter:

Dear Elected Official:

We want to thank you for your willingness to be a part of the important discussion that’s happening right now in Connecticut about how we save an important part of our economy.

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Mohegan Tribe play a critical role in our state’s economy. The revenue from our gaming facilities that’s directed to 169 towns and cities in this state plays an important part in improving our quality of life here in Connecticut. Over the years, revenue from both of our facilities has paid for countless improvements, going to everything from open space to education.

However, these jobs and revenue are now in jeopardy because of the plans of a multi-national corporation to siphon both from our state. The historic partnership between the Mashantucket Pequots and the Mohegans aims to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Throughout this process, both tribes have stressed that before any proposal can be implemented, it must receive approval from the town being considered.

At this point, we want you to know that we’ve received and are continuing to review a proposal from your municipality. We are now asking that you move forward with getting approval from your town and town leaders.

True to Connecticut’s unique history, we know that town and city charters outline different parameters for securing approval of a development project of this magnitude. In recognition of the partnership we intend to have with any host community, we want you to know that should you choose to conduct a referendum on this project, MMCT will compensate the town for the expenses associated with that process.

It’s our goal to be part of a municipality that understands the benefits a facility like this will bring to its community, and we want to let everyone know that we intend to do our part from the very beginning.

Photo credit: Brian Ferguson via flickr creative commons