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Posted March 8, 2009 - Murphy, NC

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Casino Alcohol Sales May Go to Referendum

Staff Reports

CHEROKEE - With a nearly unanimous vote from Tribal Council, a resolution asking for a referendum vote on casino alcohol sales passed. Principal Chief Michell Hicks is expected to ratify the vote. The issue will go to a vote during the June 4 primary.
The measure, however, wasn't without controversy as a dissenting voter on Council expressed objections to Tribal Council Chairman Mike Parker failing to follow protocol and open the floor to discussion prior to calling for the vote. Wolfetown Rep. Susan Toineeta wanted to express her opposition to the proposal that comes after petitioners presented the required number of signatures from registered voters to call for a referendum vote. A visibly upset Toineeta reportedly dressed down the Council and apologized to her constituents for the chairman's conduct for not allowing her to speak.
Don Rose, one of the petition organizers, said, "Passing of the resolution is somewhat historic. It is a positive response to the voice of the people, some 1,900 of whom signed a petition calling for the referendum. The Chief has publicly stated that he will sign the resolution and instruct the Election Board to conduct the referendum. This is a precedent setting event in that it may be the first of many petition drives as the members of the tribe discover it is a tactic that can be effectively used to make their voice heard."
Advocates for the referendum and for allowing sales in the casino say that it will boost revenue. Opponents argue it could lead to reservation-wide alcohol sales, and some opponents argue moral objections.