Everett, Wash.
Published: Monday, July 6, 2009

Tulalips seek changes to gambling agreement

By Jerry Cornfield
Herald Writer

 OLYMPIA -- A hearing this week examines several proposed changes in the Tulalip Tribes' gambling compact with the state, including an allowance for hiring tribal members as casino workers who may not fully qualify under state rules.

It is one of a handful of mostly technical revisions to be considered by the Washington State Gambling Commission on Thursday in Vancouver, Wash.

Barring objection from commissioners, the amended compact will then go to Gov. Chris Gregoire for her expected endorsement and onto the Department of the Interior for final approval.

This compact is the state's oldest. Originally signed in 1991, it lays out the interplay of the state and the tribe in operation of gambling facilities. Past amendments, for example, have expanded hours of operation and increased numbers of machines at the two Quil Ceda locations.

The latest amendment deals with such things as control of tribal records held by the state, types of financial institutions with which the tribe can partner and resolution of disputes.

Language for most of the changes mirrors what exists now in the state's other compacts with federally recognized tribes.

That includes the one dealing with employees.

As proposed, tribal leaders would be allowed to grant "conditional certification" to tribal members under certain circumstances. Circumstances are not specified, however, the tribe must show the state the person who might receive the waiver does not pose a risk to the public or lawful operation of the casino and failed to qualify because of some extenuating circumstances.

Last week, at a legislative hearing in Olympia, Rep. Bruce Chandler, R-Granger, pressed Tulalip Tribes representatives on why it is needed.

Chairman Mel Sheldon explained the goal is to give individuals a second chance so, for example, they can provide for their family.

When asked how the tribe will know who deserves the opportunity, Sheldon said: "We are a home. We know our membership."

Conditional certifications are rarely sought by those tribes that now have such authority, commission director Rick Day told lawmakers.

In the last four years there have been 36 requests out of roughly 25,000 certifications processed, he said. Three of the 36 were turned down, he said.

Overall, this latest batch of changes in the compact is stirring little controversy.

No one spoke against it to the lawmakers and Sheldon said he did not anticipate opposition at this week's commission discussion.

To read the compact with the proposed changes go to www.wsgc.wa.gov.



Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@ heraldnet.com.



Meeting Thursday

The Washington State Gambling Commission is meeting to discuss proposed changes in the Tulalip Tribes gambling compact at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Heathman Lodge, 7801 NE Greenwood Drive, Vancouver, Wash.

To read the entire compact with the proposed changes go to www.wsgc.wa.gov.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA