There have been several stories in The Sun concerning the financing of the Quechan Casino Resort which did not contain factual information. The Quechan Nation normally does not respond to the local media but instead chooses to communicate with our community members through our own internal media. However, apparently some of our tribal members are choosing to use The Sun to address issues related to our tribal government.

  The Quechan Tribal Council has held several meetings regarding the new Quechan Casino Resort. Each time there has been a formal request for information on the project, the council has met with those present. The same questions have been asked and answered on numerous occasions.

  In addition to special meetings, the council also meets in weekly work sessions and holds a monthly regular meeting. At any of these times, tribal members may address the council on any concern or issue.

  If you recall, you have read the names of the same five tribal members who have issues with the new resort. It is important to remember the Quechan Tribe has well over 3,000 tribal members and these five do not speak on behalf of our tribe nor do they speak for our esteemed tribal elders.

  This same group has initiated recall petitions, all of which have failed.

  The president has never been recalled, as was reported in the Sun. The recall petition was deemed to be invalid by the tribal council as there were fictitious signatures on the petition. Many of the elders support the casino resort as the next milestone in the tribe's economic development.

  The financing for the Quechan Casino Resort is provided through two bond issues, both held in the name of the tribe. The negotiations for the financing were held with the tribal council and approval was given by the tribal council to secure the financing.

  The downgrading of the bonds is believed to be a temporary issue by the rating agency until the additional funding is in place and the resort is opened. Finalization of the additional $25 million should be in place within the next few days. As soon as this process is completed, the tribal council will report this information to our tribal membership.

  Those that have invested in our project continue to receive any payments that are required. There has been no demand for the money; there is no fear that our tribal assets will be frozen.

  Like the United States economy, the Quechan Nation is facing many of the same economic struggles. With the struggling economy, the decrease in tourism and discretionary spending resources, our nation experiences a decrease in revenue. However, we are able to meet the commitments that have been made.

  What the Quechan Nation is currently experiencing is a vocal minority (five members) who are searching out a listening ear - and they have found that with The Sun. The message that is being conveyed is that the tribal community is opposed to this project. This is just not true. The Quechan Nation held an election on that question and the community supported the development of the Quechan Casino Resort.

  The Quechan tribal membership is excited about the future as the opening of the new casino resort nears. This has been a much anticipated project with delay after delay as we sought to answer all of the questions that were brought to us. The questions were answered and we have moved forward.

  This same group continues to raise the same questions and to invent new issues, but the progress of this development cannot be stopped. The Quechan Nation has come a long way and we continue to make progress as a tribe. The Quechan tribal members are proud of who we are, we will only grow stronger in the future.

MIKE JACKSON SR., President, Quechan Nation