LAKE COUNTY — The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians chairman said Tuesday the tribe is still aiming for approval to build a casino in Richmond.
“We continue to be extremely optimistic that our project will be approved this year and that the land in North Richmond will be taken into trust by the federal government for the purposes of our tribe”s economic independence,” Chairman Donald Arnold said.
Arnold said he disagreed with the things tribal member Les Miller said to the public.
Miller helped organize a rally Friday in Lakeport where he asked tribal members and people in the community to sign a letter to their U.S. senators and congressman in an effort to gain control of the tribe. Rather than building a casino in Richmond, the ralliers want to open Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa and add a casino. Miller sent the letters Tuesday.
Arnold said Miller is a former tribal chairman and has tried, but failed to win an election in more than 10 years.
“Mr. Miller does not speak for, nor represent, the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians or its Tribal Council,” Arnold said.
Miller said he will continue to run for tribal council in September and the following election years.
Miller and other tribal members are developing a petition to have a special general council meeting to ask council members “to explain themselves” on why they support the Richmond casino project.
“We”re not from Richmond or Contra Costa County,” Miller said. “We have thousands of years of history in Lake County.”
Miller said Arnold and other tribal officials are “stealing the tribe” and he hopes to address it at the next tribal council meeting, scheduled for March 6 in Lakeport.
“Arnold is the elected official, but his behavior did not represent the intent of why we elected him,” Miller said.
Contact Katy Sweeny at kdsweeny@gmail.com or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
