Oklahoma Governor Stitt Like ‘Used Car Salesman’ in Compact Negotiations, Says Tribal Chief
Posted on: November 25, 2019, 06:42h.
Last updated on: November 25, 2019, 10:53h.
In Oklahoma, ongoing tribal compact negotiations led by Governor Kevin Stitt have been “a used car salesman thing,” according to one tribal leader.
As reported by Tulsa World, at a press conference on Friday, Choctaw Chief Gary Batton said, “[They’re] telling me I need a vehicle, and I’m saying ‘No, I don’t. I have a good vehicle.’
“What are they willing to offer?” he added. “What is that written proposal? What do they have to offer of interest?”
This is Governor Stitt’s attempt to renegotiate a model compact signed in 2004 by 35 of Oklahoma’s 38 federally recognized tribes, which granted them regional gaming exclusivity in return for revenue-share payments to the state.
According to the OK Policy Institute, in the 2019 fiscal year the tribes generated $148.2 million for state coffers, their highest contribution ever.
The tribes had expected the compact to rollover on its expiration on January 1, 2020 – and they believe this was the intention of the previous administration that drew up the agreement.
But Stitt is intent on squeezing more out of the tribes, which operate more than 130 casinos and gaming halls state-wide.
Negotiations Stalled
While asserting they have no legal obligation to rewrite the compact, the tribes say they are open to negotiations, but only if they receive something in return.
But on Friday, representatives of the state’s five biggest tribal operators, the Cherokees, Choctaws, Chickasaws, Creeks and Seminoles – collectively known as the Five Tribes – said the state has, as yet, offered nothing – except arbitration.
Negotiations between the tribes and state AG Mike Hunter kicked off four weeks ago before shuddering to a halt shortly afterwards.
Details are lacking,” said Muscogee Creek Chief James Floyd, as reported by Tulsa World. “He said, ‘We want to arbitrate.’ We were sitting there saying, ‘Well, what about?’”
Destined for the Courts?
Former governor Brad Henry, who negotiated the original model compact, said recently his administration wanted the tribes to be tied to the compact beyond the first term and into the foreseeable future, in case they tried to negotiate a lower rate of payments.
Henry said he was concerned the dispute will end up in court, which would not be a good thing for Oklahoma.
“We’re different than a commercial enterprise,” said Chickasaw Governor Bill Anoatubby Friday. “We are a government. We have a constituency. We provide services to our people. If you look at the overall impact of this compact, if you look across the country, you’re going to find out that the impact we have in Oklahoma is greater than any other state.”
In a statement to Tulsa World Friday, the Governor’s Office said the state was “prepared to present an initial proposal to those who are ready to begin negotiations, and has been prepared to do so for months.”
“The state made four formal attempts dating back to July to set a date to present a proposal and begin negotiations,” it read. “On the fourth attempt, the state was finally able to attend a meeting of tribal leaders on Oct. 28. But after beginning to present its proposal, the state was asked to leave the meeting.”
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Last Comments ( 4 )
I believe the governor feels he can bulldog the tribes into whatever he puts forth due to the current political atmosphere and current administration. He should speak with former Gov. Henry and ask him what the intention and meaning of the compact is/was and that should open his eyes. It probably will not because Stitt is trying to get money for nothing. All of the tribes contribute to Oklahoma and Oklahomans in a variety of ways-from helping schools and public services to health care. Does Stitt think the tribes don't do enough? They've given millions of dollars back to Oklahoma due to the compact at zero cost. Oklahoma has free money to pump back into the schools and economy but what have they used it for? That's the real question. Now that the compact has come to renew and the Governor chose to disregard the minimum time allotment to negotiate, he decides he wants an extension. Tribal leaders wisely declined to an extension and Stitt acts like a petulant child and orders a state audit of one of the biggest casino operators in the state. Does he think strong arm tactics will work on a group of people who have been strong armed all their lives? Think about your actions governor. Also remember, the SCOTUS is hearing arguments about the Eastern half of Oklahoma still being Indian territory and thus being considered reservation lands of the 5 Civilized tribes.
This is ridiculous gov and all should let Indian Nations have what is duly owed to each tribal nation all I feel in Oklahoma. It is native American money not all others ......
There was a good reason the state was asked to leave the meeting and by not stating the reason Gov. Stitt has neglected to act in good faith. There were no negotiations only demands by a greedy official outside his authority. Compacts are contracts and have legally binding outcomes that people accept in good faith. Stitt has not held up his end of the contract with the Oklahoma tribes. He has put on blinders to the good the tribes have done for Oklahomans. This Jacksonian governor has no leg to stand on.
He's like a teenage boy fumbling to get the girl's bra unfastened and he's too clumsy to even know how to get the party started.