Each slot machine placed in a casino triggers a certain number of estimated customers, and the number of slot machines has a direct bearing on a casino’s impact on the environment and the host community. California citizens have been carefully excluded from the gambling compact process, and are kept in the dark until after the compact is signed, when it’s too late. The shroud of secrecy that currently envelopes the Governor’s Class III gambling compact negotiations effectively quashes any public protest or input. In a free and democratic society, this should not be allowed. Therefore, we propose that, with regard to gambling compact negotiations, California’s communities be afforded the following rights:

1) THE RIGHT TO NOTIFICATION: Notification must go to all residents in the county in which the casino might be located prior to the commencement of any compact negotiations, to be sent by direct mail with clear instructions on how, when and where the public may comment: There should be a notice period of at least 90 days in advance of the commencement of any negotiations. The current closed process is inconsistent with democratic principles. It is designed only to protect the interests of tribal governments and their deep-pocket investors, and is detrimental to the people of California and the interests of the host community. It’s time to let the sun shine in.

2) THE RIGHT TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Public hearings must be held from the onset of negotiations and continuing throughout the negotiation process:  It is the host community that will suffer the impacts of a casino, but under current policy, California’s communities are powerless and have no voice. Public participation in the compact process must be included from the very beginning. All comments made by the public and from local government should be given as much weight as those made by a tribe or its investors, as the Governor, first and foremost, represents the people of California in the compact negotiation process.

3) THE RIGHT TO PROTECTION UNDER CEQA: All compacts should undergo a CEQA study by the Governor’s office, to be completed before the compacts may be signed by the Governor. We all share this state and its resources. California residents deserve the protection of CEQA, especially as the tribal casinos wreak havoc on the environment and with our General Plan process. If a compact as written cannot produce a satisfactory result from such as study, then it cannot be allowed to go forward, and must be negotiated downward until it complies with CEQA. If a compact cannot ultimately comply with CEQA, then the Governor should be not be permitted to sign it, as that would be contrary to state policy and the interests of the public.