Let's clear up county's MOU confusion

Clark County remains mired in confusion over the impact a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Cowlitz Tribe would have on the tribe’s casino application.

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)—the agency that will make the final decision—has, however, sent out clear signals that can be summed up, “If you don’t want a casino, don’t produce an MOU.”

First, a key DOI decision maker, George Skibine, told CARS after the tribe’s MOU was invalidated in December 2007, that the lack of a valid MOU with Clark County could be “a deal-breaker” for the Cowlitz casino application. (Skibine remains in his role at DOI as a career employee, not a political appointee.)

Then, in January 2008, DOI sent out a guidance letter addressing the importance of intergovernmental agreements, such as MOUs. The letter states, “Failure to achieve such agreements should weigh heavily against the approval of the application.”

When CARS Chairman Ed Lynch addressed the commissioners Tuesday, he urged them not to work with the tribe on a new MOU. He said it could send DOI the message that the county is open to the casino. In 2008 the county went on record opposing the casino.

Commissioner Boldt questioned Lynch’s connecting a new MOU with casino approval. He asked Lynch about the outcomes of two casino applications in other states, one that had no MOU but was approved and one that had an MOU but was turned down.

Comparing those two applications with the Cowlitz project is utterly unhelpful. Those applications were completely different, and other circumstances outweighed the impact of their MOU status. For details, read CARS’ response to the commissioners, below.

Please tell your commissioners to say “no deal” to a new MOU with the Cowlitz Tribe.


Clark County Board of Commissioners: (360) 397-2232
Marc.Boldt@clark.wa.gov
Tom.Mielke@clark.wa.gov
Steve.Stuart@clark.wa.gov
boardcom@clark.wa.gov