By Sonu Munshi
The Arizona Republic
Glendale, the Gila River Indian Community and the state will continue the fight against a southern Arizona tribe that wants to open a casino near Glendale’s sports and entertainment district.
A divided Glendale City Council on Tuesday voted to appeal this month’s decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The ruling upheld the Tohono O’odham Nation’s request to create a reservation on 54 acres near 95th and Northern avenues. That’s a necessary step before the tribe could seek federal approval to build a casino there.
“I want this settled for once and for all, and who better than the highest court in the land to tell me that A, I either have to sit (at) the negotiating table with the Tohono O’odham or B, the Tohono O’odham can go find another place to put a casino outside of a city,” Councilwoman Joyce Clark said.
Glendale is undecided on whether it will appeal to the 9th Circuit Court for a rehearing before a full panel or petition the U.S. Supreme Court. A spokeswoman for Attorney General Tom Horne, who is representing the state, said his office intends to file a petition for rehearing with the 9th Circuit Court.
