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Taxing Casinos Cited Among Issues For '05
Pechanga Chairman Mark Macarro predicts casino taxation and the contested use of video-lottery machines will be key issues this year in the fast-growing world of California gaming.
(PRWEB) January 5, 2005 -- Pechanga Chairman Mark Macarro predicts casino taxation and the contested use of video-lottery machines will be key issues this year in the fast-growing world of California gaming. He said the dispute over the legality of the video-lottery machines, which have put the Pechanga and Morongo tribes at odds with Gov. Schwarzenegger, will likely shift to the courts.
"We know the facts are on our side," Macarro said in a recent interview. "What we're getting from the state is a lot of bluster. It'll get played out in court. There will be motions and hearings throughout 2005."
He said tribes do not oppose efforts to tap Indian gaming for new revenues, but disagreements over how much constitutes a fair amount will continue to flare in California and several other states.
There is little doubt that Macarro - who has repeatedly appeared in television advertisements on Indian gaming initiatives and political campaigns - will remain at the forefront statewide, said Temecula City Councilman Ron Roberts, who is a liaison to the Pechanga tribe.
"He's one of a few people who can walk into a room and be identified immediately," Roberts said.
Roberts said councils for the city and the tribe have worked closely together for years, and Pechanga helped secure a key grant and provided funds that together brought more than $11 million for local road and bridge projects.
Macarro said he does not hold any political ambitions outside his reservation. He said he cannot imagine another job that would be as fulfilling or challenging.
Macarro said the Pechanga tribe won't begin work this year on its proposed golf course or other family-oriented attractions that are expected to include a theater, bowling alley, batting cages and go-cart track.
He said the tribe will instead focus on adjusting to its latest expansion, which has boosted employment at its resort and other operations to about 5,100 workers. That growth spurt has made the tribe the second-largest employer in Riverside County.
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