By Jessica Quandt
Hollister – Casinos Represent A Poor Solution (C.R.A.P.S.) has
teamed up with several members of the local Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints to take its anti-casino petition to the masses
in what both organizations see as a nondenominational, moral
opposition to casinos, according to C.R.A.P.S. Chairman Steve
Merrell.
By Jessica Quandt
Hollister – Casinos Represent A Poor Solution (C.R.A.P.S.) has teamed up with several members of the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to take its anti-casino petition to the masses in what both organizations see as a nondenominational, moral opposition to casinos, according to C.R.A.P.S. Chairman Steve Merrell.
The group expanded the scope of the recent door-to-door petitioning and began petitioning Monday in front of the Safeway in Hollister and the Windmill Market in San Juan Bautista.
California Valley Miwok Project Manager Gary Ramos said that while C.R.A.P.S. may have a slew of signatures, its stance against the proposed casino is premature.
“It is disappointing that this group is opposed to a project that would bring a thousand or more jobs and economic benefits to the community as a whole. It is even more disappointing that they are mounting this effort without any facts and before the public has had an opportunity to assess the benefits this project has to offer,” Ramos said.
The tribe could provide financial compensation to the county if the casino is built, possibly including some funding to widen Highway 25, Ramos said.
Merrell said he was confident the signatures the groups are gathering will speak volumes to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, delivering a message that San Benito County residents do not want the casino.
“It’s kind of interesting. I’m hearing through the grapevine that they’re (the Miwoks) feeling quite confident, but I don’t see how,” Merrell said.
Schwarzenegger has said he will not allow Indian gaming in areas where tribes do not have ancestral roots unless there is overwhelming support from the locals. Since some doubt the Miwoks have ties to San Benito County, C.R.A.P.S. is hoping to instead show the governor overwhelming opposition to the casino.
Laura Lee Foote, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said she and several of her fellow members joined forces with C.R.A.P.S. because they believe the proposed casino is morally wrong.
“It’s a moral issue and we don’t want it here. We don’t want that for our children. We don’t want the drugs and the crime and the unhappiness that a casino brings,” she said.
Jessica Quandt is a staff writer for the Free Lance. Reach her at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or at [email protected].
