Choctaws Protest Governor Decision On OTB Decision

Leaders of the Choctaw Nation huddled with Governor Frank Keating Tuesday while hundreds of tribal members rallied outside the State Capitol to protest Keating's decision to terminate and renegotiate

Monday, April 3rd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Leaders of the Choctaw Nation huddled with Governor Frank Keating Tuesday while hundreds of tribal members rallied outside the State Capitol to protest Keating's decision to terminate and renegotiate a tribal wagering compact with the state.

"I'm going to make a prediction, we're going to win," State Senator Billy Mickle, of Durant, told tribal members, some in traditional dress and carrying signs stating: "Compact With Tribe is OK." Lawmakers urged Keating to reconsider his decision and praised the contributions the Choctaw tribe has made in health care and education with revenues from off-track betting parlors the tribe operates in McAlester, Pocola, Durant, Idabel and Hugo.

"You've done nothing but good for our state," said State Representative Mike Mass, of Hartshorne. "I think the compact's a good deal," said State Representative Lloyd Fields, of McAlester. Keating notified tribal authorities of his decision to terminate and renegotiate the compact in a letter to Choctaw Chief Greg Pyle earlier this month that said the survival of Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw was a major factor in the decision. "There's a little bit of hard feelings there," Fields said. "I think their trying to work things out." He said the tribe wants to "offer them a peace treaty" that will allow the wagering parlors after the current compact expires on April 15.

Gary Batton, health care director for the tribe, said the wagering facilities funnel $2 million a year to the tribe and has helped pay for a $26 million hospital in Talihina as well as food distribution, scholarships and a variety of other programs. "If these dollars are taken away, it just puts the burden on the other taxpayers," Batton said. Blue Ribbon Downs General Manager Don Essery appeared at the Capitol in January and told lawmakers that the Choctaw Nation gaming parlor and the simulcasting of racing events threatened to shut down the track.

In a letter to Keating, Pyle said his action will return the state and the tribe to an era of "distrust and conflict." Pyle said he was astounded Blue Ribbons "could have the ability to bring us to this point." He called the facility "a bush league track" that has had financial difficulties from the start. In a statement issued this morning, Keating said no final decision has been made whether to renew the compact or terminate it. He said he is still assessing the impact of off-track betting on other industries, including the operation of Blue Ribbon Downs. "If the ultimate decision is to terminate the compact, I will be ready and willing to enter negotiations with the Choctaw Nation to develop a new compact," Keating said.