PHILADELPHIA, Miss. —
The construction of a casino in the Bogue Homa Community near Sandersville will continue as planned.
Judge Jeffrey Webb of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Tribal Court denied a petition Friday for a “Writ of Mandus” to certify a referendum election on the casino. The petition was filed August 6 in Tribal Court.
The Associated Press reported Friday that Webb said the tribal Election Commission had acted properly in denying the petition by three Tribe members.
At a hearing Monday in the Smith John Justice Complex in Neshoba County, attorneys for the tribal members argued the office of tribal chief Beasley Denson and the Election Committee denied the petition on technicalities.
Vickie Rangel, sponsor of a petition application, had requested a vote as early as June 15 after the Tribal Council voted 8-7 to approve the building of the casino one week prior.
The Tribal Election Committee rejected the initial petition, claiming it was “deficient.” An amended version of the application was filed July 6 by Rangel and fellow Choctaws Austin Tubby and Bobbie Frazier.
When that application was determined to be too late for review, Rangel moved the matter to Tribal Court.
In the petition, Rangel said the decision to construct the casino would affect jobs at the Golden Moon Casino, which is operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in Philadelphia. She said those working at the Silver Star Casino, also located in Philadelphia, would likely see fewer hours due to employees being transferred from the Golden Moon.
In a letter to media and supporters, Rangel called the ruling a “disappointment,” but said she didn’t regret taking the matter to court.
“We have learned an gained useful experience we could not have gotten any other way,” she said. “We want to thank our lawyer, Tim Taylor, for having the courage to represent us, which is what we need more of it we are going to fight against the atmosphere of fear within our tribe.
“What is clear from this case is we have allowed lawyers to draw up laws that hinder the constitutional right of the people to have a seat at the table, then a judge merely upholds that law,” Rangel added.
Rangel said Webb called the rules “reasonable and rational... (and) so burdensome as to conflict with the Constitution.”
“I am afraid the judge has no understanding of our people to know what would be burdensome,” she said. “He would need to know the educational background of the majority of our people who would have to abide by this Ordinance.”
Rangel concluded her letter by stating that she would consider taking the case to the Choctaw Supreme Court or a new case to address the constitutionality of the ordinance in question.
The tribe has already begun ground work for the 27,000-square-foot casino, which is expected to feature 500 to 700 slot machines and a snack shop. The casino, which is a $17 million investment, is scheduled to open in mid-December and employ about 250 workers.
Reporter Charlotte A. Graham contributed to this story.
Local News
Related Photos
-
This aerial photo shows groundwork being done at the casino being constructed in the Bogue Homa Community near Sandersville. Tribal Judge Jeffrey Webb ruled Friday against a petition calling for a vote on whether to allow the construction to continue. Photo/File
Judge denies vote on Jones County casino
- Local News
-
-
Ellisville earns state-wide award
The City of Ellisville has yet another award under its belt.
-
Jones Co. native killed in Jackson accident
A Jones County native will be laid to rest this weekend after a fatal crash in Rankin County.
-
Students participate in Arbor Day event
Local residents celebrated Arbor Day for the planting of trees at several local schools.
-
Annual ‘Gift of Sight Day’ being offered
About nine people will receive free eye procedures as the Southern Eye Center in Hattiesburg observes its annual “Gift of Sight Day.”
-
Parents outraged
“It’s a sad day in East Jasper.” Those were the words of several parents who came out to the Heidelberg Multipurpose Complex Wednesday evening.
-
New No. 5 fire station ready
A ribbon cutting ceremony will be conducted today for the City of Laurel’s newest fire station.
Nearly 70 years after the construction of it’s original building, the City of Laurel’s Fire Station No. 5 has a new home. -
Arbor Day set for Feb. 10
The City of Laurel is recognizing Arbor Day and Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack has proclaimed Friday, Feb. 10th, as Arbor Day in the City of Laurel.
-
JCJC’s student health fair focusing on prevention
Jones County Junior College students recently had the opportunity to discover the true meaning of Benjamin Franklin’s motto, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” at the college’s Student Health Fair. Hundreds of students took advantage of the opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics including behavioral problems, nutrition, fitness, and foot care.
-
Aspiring to greatness
The Rev. Leander Bridges was the keynote speaker at Jones County Junior College’s Black History Program Tuesday.
-
Arrest made in bomb threat
A 19-year-old Jones County Junior College student was arrested Tuesday in connection with a bomb threat to a building on the school’s campus earlier in the day.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
