[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1958]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E 1958]]


A LETTER FROM THE BARONA, SYCUAN, AND VIEJAS TRIBES OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY

                                 ______


                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 17, 1995

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise to place into the 
Record the results of a recent California statewide voter survey on 
Indian gaming. In the spring of this year, California tribes 
commissioned an independent research company, J. Moore Methods of 
Sacramento, to survey a cross-section of 1,000 registered voters across 
the State.
  A letter from Clifford La Chappa, tribal chairman of the Barona Band 
of Kumeyaay Indians, Georgia Tucker, tribal chairperson of the Sycuan 
Band of Kumeyaay Indians, and Anthony Pico, tribal chairman of the 
Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, states:

       We needed reliable data to begin to understand public 
     attitudes towards all forms of gaming. An objective survey 
     was crucial as an intentionally-biased study would have 
     served no one. What we now have is a solid sampling of public 
     opinion we can share with community and state leaders. Voters 
     were clear in their message of support.
       Sixty percent of the state's registered voters back Indian 
     gaming with support reaching a hefty 73 percent in San Diego 
     County.
       The opinion poll also reveals voters do not believe tribal 
     gaming needs further government regulation, and they are 
     opposed to Nevada casino interests operating gaming 
     facilities in California.
       The findings show 82 percent of San Diegans support 
     continued operation of Indian reservation casinos, compared 
     to 75.9 percent support statewide.
       Overall, 54.7 percent of California voters approve various 
     forms of legalized gambling in contrast to 29.2 percent 
     opposed, with 16 percent expressing no or mixed opinions.
       These figures show the general public favors reservation 
     gaming to such an extent that politicians who are against 
     Indians using gaming to improve economic conditions are not 
     listening to the people.
       Survey findings show 58 percent of California voters oppose 
     Governor Pete Wilson's position not to negotiate gaming 
     compacts with California tribes. In San Diego County, 57 
     percent of voters surveyed said they opposed the governor's 
     position.
       Seventy percent say they ``do not feel'' gambling in 
     general required additional government regulation, and a 
     majority of 50.3 percent expressed opposition to legislative 
     restrictions on Indian reservation casino gaming.
       By a 53 to 35 percent ratio, state voters also oppose 
     expansion of legal gaming into new communities to compete 
     with Indian reservation gaming. Californians agreed that the 
     best place for new gambling facilities is on Indian 
     reservations. This preference exceeded support for expanded 
     gaming at race track (20.9%), additional card rooms (6.4%), 
     and Nevada-style commercial casinos (15.1%).
       Other survey findings included: 79 percent Republican men 
     agree Indian gaming is good because it is eliminating welfare 
     dependency among Indians.
       85 percent of Republican women agree that Indians, not 
     state governments, should be accountable for keeping tribal 
     gaming free of corruption.
       73 percent of Democratic women agree with the use of gaming 
     revenue to improve life on the reservations.
       California voters clearly are telling us that while they 
     support gambling as a valid form of recreation, they feel it 
     is best confined to certain areas. Voters support Indian 
     gaming for two reasons: most facilities are located in 
     relatively isolated rural areas, and Californians see gaming 
     as the best opportunity Native Americans have to provide for 
     their people and to secure a solid economic base for the 
     future.
       Reservation gaming is a fair play issue, in many respects. 
     The public knows Indians have suffered in the past and that 
     many continue to suffer the worst of all human statistics. 
     Today the public can support reservation gaming because it 
     takes nothing away from the larger population and gives 
     tribes an even chance to become self-supporting. In fact, as 
     you are already aware, reservation gaming in San Diego County 
     and throughout the state creates jobs and significant 
     economic benefits to the wider community.''

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