That is what the Solvang City Council debated, after Mayor Jim Richardson objected to the Chumash Casino’s liquor license application at a Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting.

The catalyst for the debate was a visit from Sam Cohen, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ government and legal representative, to the Solvang City Council meeting on Monday night.

“I must say we were surprised. Mayor Richardson did not protest the transfer of the Royal Scandinavian Inn’s liquor license when it was transferred to the tribe. We were surprised Mayor Richardson doesn’t protest any of the tasting room liquor licenses in the city of Solvang,” he said. Cohen said the tribe was important to the success of marketing the Valley and implied the mayor had driven a wedge in their relationship.

“We are all trying to work together to market the entire valley. The winemakers are marketing their wine and tasting rooms. Solvang is marketing its rich Danish heritage. And the tribe is marketing its casino and Solvang hotels. I would like to think that together we will succeed and divided we will fail. So we look forward to possibly working with you again in the future.” Richardson said he spoke to Cohen before the supervisors’ meeting and told him of his intentions.

“I don’t believe that this should come as a shock to Sam that I did protest it.” Richardson said he protested the license solely based on his fears of underage drinking at the casino. He said that because the tribe allows people as young as 18 into the casino, those people might be served alcohol. He added the protest was only done so that the license would be considered before the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). If the license does go to ABC, stipulations can be added to it.

“Sam knows full well that in order for the county to go before the ABC they’ve got to protest the liquor license. It doesn’t mean they’re against the liquor license, but it’s so they can testify,” he said. Councilmen Ken Palmer and Edwin Skytt both objected to the mayor’s actions. “Never have I used my position as a city council to influence one way or another, nor have I come out and given my opinion as a private citizen,” said Skytt. “My feeling is, as soon as a person is elected to any position, part of that freedom of speech is given up voluntarily. No matter what you say, you are always representing the organization you are elected to.”

While Richardson acknowledged the councilmen’s concerns, he maintained his position. “I went before the board of supervisors as a private citizen. I didn’t announce my title as mayor of Solvang. I announced my title as Jim Richardson, private citizen of Solvang. If I am not able to testify as a private citizen, then I cannot be an effective private citizen. I did not speak for the people of Solvang, I spoke for myself,” he said. Palmer said even though the mayor may have intended to speak as a private citizen, that was not how he was perceived. Palmer said he regretted the “knee-jerk” reaction to the casino’s license.

“I regret very much that we cannot put the past difference and present differences behind us,” he said. He sided with supervisor Joni Grey, who said, “If it would have been anyone but the Chumash, we wouldn’t have gone there,” in reference to the backlash. Palmer also said that there were bigger concerns than the casino. He referenced a new law that would allow California wine-tasting rooms to sell their goods by the bottle. “There are far more drunken drivers going to be on the road from that change than the small change that the Chumash are requesting,” he said. But Richardson defended his stance. “My position with the tribe has come under question before. I believe the tribe is like a loved one. When they do something that annoys you, you let them know: you annoy me. That doesn’t mean you hate them or you are their enemy.” He also made it clear that his protest was only due to his concerns of underage drinking and said he was generally fond of the tribe.

“I praise the tribe very frequently regarding their educational programs. I praise the tribe for its business acumen and its ability to bring into Solvang this fine restaurant and hotel. From a personal standpoint, I believe they are doing a wonderful job of investing tribal revenues into other business because one day that casino may not be there to provide income.” At Monday night’s council meeting, no action was taken on the tribe’s application. July 7 is the deadline for public comments on the application. Comments can be sent to Leslie Pond, district administrator, ABC San Luis Obispo district office, 3220 S. Higuera St., Suite 233, San Luis Obispo, 93401. The office can also be reached by calling 543-7183.

brookshire@syvjournal.com