Rep. Mike Ritze today announced his opposition to the construction of a casino in his legislative district in Broken Arrow.
“There is no doubt the proposed casino would be detrimental to the quality of life in Broken Arrow, including creating a hazard for children attending school and pre-school in the area where the facility would be built,” said Ritze, R-Broken Arrow. “The local community does not support the project and an official with the National Indian Gaming Commission has suggested the project may be in violation of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and other federal laws. I and the hundreds of Broken Arrow residents who protested the project this week appreciate the support of Muscogee (Creek) Nation Chief A.D. Ellis, U.S. Rep. John Sullivan and Tulsa County Commissioner Fred Perry. We find it inexcusable that a handful of monied individuals continue their attempts to ram it through without buy-in from local citizens.”
Ritze said he is researching legal avenues to block construction of the casino.
The Wetumka-based Kialegee Tribal Town, a federally recognized tribe with around 400 members, has announced plans to build a casino in Broken Arrow on property at the corner of Olive Avenue and Florence Street, just north of the Creek Turnpike.
