Council to vote on casino resolution in January

Although the debate over the proposed Timbisha-Shoshone casino project is technically in the past -- the Hesperia City Council voted to approve an agreement between the tribe and the city in 2003, and almost 60 percent of voters agreed in 2004 -- echoes of it could still be heard at Wednesday's city council meeting.

Ballot Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97 will be voted on in February, and if approved, would allow the Riverside and San Diego-based tribes to add additional slot machines to their casinos in return for turning over more revenue to the state.

"Four tribes will, in fact, be the major players in California," Vogler said.

"How is this related to our casino or our city?" Honeycutt shot back.

"Our tribe could be disadvantaged," Vogler said.

At issue was whether the council should ask staff to draw up a resolution opposing the ballot initiative, and let the council's voice be heard, prior to voters going to the polls on Feb. 5.

"Why are we wasting our time?" asked Honeycutt. "It will be meaningless."

"If the League [of California Cities] has said they're not going to take a stand one way or the other, then we shouldn't take a stand," Pack said.

"Mr. Pack, you're a leader!" Vogler exclaimed.

"Let the people decide," Pack said.

Vogler had her way, though: The council voted 3-1, with Honeycutt abstaining, to have the staff draw up a formal resolution opposing the four ballot propositions. The council will vote on the resolution in January. All three who voted in favor have previously voiced their opposition to the proposed Timbisha-Shoshone casino project in Hesperia.

The next meeting of the Hesperia City Council will be held January 2 at 6:30 p.m. in Hesperia City Hall, 9700 Seventh Avenue.

Beau Yarbrough can be reached at 956-7108 or at beau@hesperiastar.com.