Letter: Kruger should give Enterprise Rancheria a chance

In reference to Harold Kruger's Sept. 8 opinion column "Casi-yes" apparently "missed the memo":

The Enterprise Rancheria is not "obscure" — it's been around for thousands of years and recently rebuilt itself into a modern multifaceted tribal government offering diversified services. Gaming revenues will expand those services beyond the basics, promoting self-reliance.

Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had no "local advisory vote" requirement, but insisted that local support be measured and weighed when evaluating a casino project. Numerous independent and scientific polls show strong support for the casino — in line with Yuba's support for Indian Gaming in Prop 1A and this paper's numerous online polls.

Gov. Jerry Brown did not ignore Measure G when concluding that "the gaming facility has increasing public support." Measure G was a local advisory vote meant to indicate local support. It was one data point among many — including the Appeal-Democrat's 2005 editorial backing the project — and showed the community evenly split on the project, despite outside gaming tribes' negative ads.

"Crime, alcoholism, broken homes" — Hello! They're already here! Jobs will counter our high unemployment and accompanying social ills. None of the 60-plus California communities that have tribal casinos now thinks the negative impacts outweigh the benefits — not Placer, Butte or Colusa.

Lastly, no showgirls in Yuba County. But casinos do offer multifaceted entertainment options to rural communities that otherwise might never see them, the dwindling Sleep Train Amphitheatre offerings notwithstanding.

Mr. Kruger should re-read the memos and facts before denying Yuba County and Enterprise Rancheria the same opportunities other neighbors enjoy.

Charles Altekruse

Enterprise Community Relations

Marysville