fresno elections 2008

The people of California have voted to allow Indian gaming on reservations. It is appropriate that negative impacts be offset or mitigated. Compact agreements assure that revenue stream. The California Lottery has not performed to the measure it was expected. I don’t personally gamble, however, it is legal in California. I will abide by the Constitution of California. I am not in favor of off- reservation casinos.

I do not support reservation shopping. In 2000, California voters approved tribal gaming in our state. As a result, the tribes that operate casinos came to an agreement to pay the state a certain amount of revenue each year. I do think tribes that operate casinos on their land should honor their agreements made with the state. That money is used to fund important things like schools, public safety and other programs relied upon by millions of Californians.

The Indian gaming compacts are not the solution to our budget and money problems. The problem is excessive spending in Sacramento. Over the last five years the state revenues have grown 42% and Sacramento has spent at 44% therefore giving us an enormous budget deficit. Sacramental continues to try and tax the vices of the states population including cigarettes, alcohol and gambling but the more responsible and viable solution is responsible spending. Each of us has to spend within our family budgets and the state of California should be required to do likewise.

I do not believe that gambling is an appropriate way to generate revenue to deal with the state budget and I do not support off-reservation casinos.

In general I support the state lottery and I support tribal government gaming as passed by the voters. I generally support horse racing and recognize its historical connection with the people of California and the revenue it provides to our state fairs. I also support card rooms. I believe that gaming is a form of entertainment and is an appropriate revenue source for the state of California.

But I also recognize that gaming entities need to do a better job of mitigating their effects on society, which include providing additional resources in the area of problem gambling. I think people need to get the help they need, if in fact they develop a problem.

I am against off-reservation casinos by Tribes that do not have land in trust and seek Class III gaming without that designation.