Tulsa County Commissioner, State Rep Oppose BA Casino

Tulsa County Commissioner Fred Perry and State Representative Mike Ritze (Republican - Broken Arrow)announced Friday they are opposed to the proposed casino in Broken Arrow.

In a statement, Perry agrees with nearby residents of the proposed casino about it being a poor location near 129th East Avenue and 110th Street South.

"The location is a poor one for the reasons mentioned by the residents. In addition, while the proponents of casinos like to talk about jobs created, they ignore the fact that, without casinos, disposable income could be spent on other goods, services and entertainment which would create jobs or sustain existing jobs," Fred Perry said.

State Representative Mike Ritze also voiced his opposition to the casino on Friday. He issued the following statement:

"There is no doubt the proposed casino would be detrimental to the quality of life in Broken Arrow, including creating a hazard for children attending school and pre-school in the area where the facility would be built," said Ritze, R-Broken Arrow.

"The local community does not support the project and an official with the National Indian Gaming Commission has suggested the project may be in violation of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and other federal laws. I and the hundreds of Broken Arrow residents who protested the project this week appreciate the support of Muscogee (Creek) Nation Chief A.D. Ellis, U.S. Rep. John Sullivan and Tulsa County Commissioner Fred Perry.

"We find it inexcusable that a handful of monied individuals continue their attempts to ram it through without buy-in from local citizens," he said.

Ritze said that societal problems associated with casinos, such as gambling addiction and criminal activity, can impose significant additional costs for the surrounding community and its taxpayers.

Fred Perry says while he was in the Oklahoma Legislature, he opposed casino gambling in the state.

"This is why I voted and spoke against casino gambling while in the Oklahoma legislature. Additional casinos in the Tulsa metro area and especially in locations such as the one proposed by the Kialegee Tribal Town in Broken Arrow, will be detrimental," Fred Perry said.

12/29/2011 Related Story: Broken Arrow Residents Fight To Stop Casino

Earlier this month, the Kialegee Tribal Town is building the Red Clay Casino just north of the Creek Turnpike in Broken Arrow.