Neely Stands Against Off-Reservation Expansion of Tribal Gaming

Neely Stands Against Off-Reservation Expansion of Tribal Gaming

Lobbyist Gullett advocates for expanded gaming and Stanton fails to act.






Phoenix – The Tohono O'odham Nation is pushing to build a casino in the unincorporated land bordering the Cities of Glendale and Peoria. Although their move is opposed by Senator McCain, Senator Kyl, Governor Brewer, Mayor Scruggs, and other local and civic leaders, the Federal Government continues to remove the roadblocks and support tribal rights over city rights. Peggy Neely has joined those who have taken a stand against the off-reservation expansion of tribal gaming.






"Phoenix deserves a leader who they can count on to stand with its regional partners against these types of expansions which threaten municipal autonomy," said Peggy Neely, "The residents should know that their leader will act decisively and in their interest."

Lobbyist Wes Gullett is an advocate for expanded gaming. He was hired in 2005 by the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians to lobby for a deal similar to the one in Glendale to allow the Guidiville tribe to build a casino outside their tribal lands. According to the New York Times, Mr. Gullett’s job was to ensure that a proposed "overhaul of the Indian gambling laws did not harm the tribe." (September 27, 2008)

During their time in the Attorney General’s office, neither Terry Goddard nor Greg Stanton took a position on the Glendale casino issue. Furthermore, they failed to join Governor Brewer and lawmakers in Glendale’s lawsuit against the Tohono O'odham Nation.






"With similar efforts are underway in the states of California and New York, it is only a matter of time before this gaming expansion trend extends to the City of Phoenix," concluded Neely, "Mr. Gullett has already proven that his self-interest trumps public interest and Mr. Stanton has once again failed to take a stand. Voters are looking for a leader who will stand up for them and do the right thing. I have a track record of making the hard choices and standing by my word."


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