COARSEGOLD – As the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino tries to reopen their doors, problems continue between the Tribal Council and the Tribal Gaming Commission, as the last commissioner resigns.
Last week, two of the three commissioners tendered their letters of resignation. Chairman Norman DesRosiers resigned on Sept. 14, followed three days later by Harlan Goodson.
On Sept. 18, Lael Echo-Hawk, the last member of the current Gaming Commission, submitted her resignation to the Tribal Council, echoing the concerns of the two outgoing members regarding recent Council actions.
“I find myself similarly unable to continue to serve on the Commission,” said Echo-Hawk. “Gaming is a remarkably effective tool for tribal economic development when conducted under the strict regulatory standards and free from the imposition of tribal politics.”
Chief Operating Officer Christian Goode says he is confident that the Tribal Council will have new commissioners identified in the very near future.
“It’s definitely inconvenient for what we’re trying to do, but I know the Council understands how important this is to the gaming operations, and will find very qualified candidates to replace those who have moved on.”
The Tribe has an election scheduled for Oct. 3, and is currently considering a Memorandum of Understanding with Madera County, which will need to be ratified by the new Tribal Council.
