Community Corner

Greg Sarris Defends Casino on KQED's 'Forum'

Below, we'll take you through some of what the tribal chairman said in an early May episode of "Forum with Michael Krasny."

Greg Sarris, the tribal chairman for the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria, whose offices are located in town, rarely gives interviews. Dozens of attempts to reach him by Rohnert Park Patch have been continually denied. Often quoted by the major daily around here, the Press Democrat, and other publications, Sarris often speaks to another party — Congress or an arts class for example — where the public is allowed to join. 

(Don't miss the fabulous profile on Sarris written by Jeremy Hay from the Press Democrat.)

He gave a rare guest appearance on "Forum with Michael Krasny" May 9. Here, we'll take you through the ins and outs of Sarris' argument for the casino, which won final approval this month. Our sole attempt is to get some record on Patch of the tribal chairman's arguments, given his refusal to work with us.  

Find out what's happening in Rohnert Park-Cotatiwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Now, having cleared the State Senate and Assembly, the casino's last hurdle is from the Department of the Interior, which has 45 days to object.

The Press Democrat recently reported that: "We anticipate starting construction on the project this summer and opening by the end of 2013," Station Casinos said in its latest quarterly statement.

Find out what's happening in Rohnert Park-Cotatiwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Many in the surrounding community remain opposed and concerned" about the casino on Rohnert Park's border, said host Michael Krasny. Slated to open with 3,000 slot machines, card tables and a resort, the casino backed by Stations Casinos of Las Vegas is expected to bring thousands of cars a day to the region. 

Sarris told Krasny that the casino is expected to bring in 900 construction jobs, more than 2,200 permanent union jobs, and 3,000 "trickle-down" jobs in the nearby communities with annual economic benefits of $75 million.

Krasny asked Sarris to respond to regional concerns about increased traffic and environmental concerns. Following are excerpts from the "Forum" program: 

After what Sarris called an extensive environmental review process, downsizing of the original project, six years of public comments and workshops, and several million dollars, the tribe has done everything required to build the casino. Sarris told Krasny that:

The tribe is required by law to mitigate any of the impacts regarding traffic, water or any of those sorts of things that are associated with the casino resort. 

I might add far more detailed and costly than the surrounding Wal Mart and Costco and things like that.

But the tribe embarked on this Environmental Impact Statement, wanted to have the public input and took all the public comments which were addressed and we do have a mitigation for traffic and for water. Water is a big issue. 

He said that 42 percent of the water usage on site will be recycled water is one example of the kinds of things the casino is doing to mitigate its impacts. 

Krasny asked about the deal with Rohnert Park. . Sarris told Krasny that:

One of the important precedent-setting new facets of the compat is the revenue-sharing package with the local communities. From day one we wanted something that would benefit Indian and non-Indian alike.

Currently we have a legal and binding MOU with the city of Rohnert Park so that for the first seven years after opening, the city will get $9 million a year from us. After that, $10 to $12 million depending on what we do. 

The other part of the compact is for the county. While an amount of money has been specified, the county wanted to wait to after the compact has been ratified to negotiate with us. But they will be getting the first year what we're paying down our enormous debt, about $6 to $7 million a year. 

After that, $20 to $30 million a year after year seven. This is really, we think, a boon for the local communities.

Sarris said the bulk of the money comes back to the local communities, instead of most of it going to the state.

Our goal for this particular post was to get comments from Sarris to local media on the record, not to document every detail of the casino deal. Don't miss the full episode of Forum and listen to what casino opponent Dawna Gallagher, a former Rohnert Park City Councilwoman, had to say. Her concerns ranged from false mitigation plans to the current City Council not speaking out because of financial payments.

Go here to listen to the full episode of Forum. Attached to the right, listen to Sarris talk about the history of Native Americans in the region. See related articles by Rohnert Park Patch below.

Related content: 


 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here