Reader's view: Casino is sweet deal for Fond du Lac Band

Yes, we have to be sensitive to Native Americans’ - and everyone else’s - religious beliefs, especially in cases like the two recently in which autopsies were going to be performed following car accidents even though no one else was hurt (“Mille Lacs Band members protest planned autopsy,” Feb 9 and, “Another autopsy dispute roils native community,” Feb. 11).
But we can also all understand, with regard to the casino in downtown Duluth, that the Fond du Lac Band has a pretty sweet deal, and with a contract signed and a handshake to put it in place.
There are many contracts between cities and Native American casinos across the country, but all of a sudden a decision is made that this one is not valid? It should make no difference if it is valid, when you shake hands on a deal, honest people honor it as a deal. The ongoing controversy is putting bad feelings between the band and the city of Duluth. The casino is a beautiful building in the middle of Duluth. It’s property tax-free with water, sewer and electrical service and with the streets and sidewalks maintained and plowed by the city. Plus, the band doesn’t pay nearly what others do for the rehabilitation of those who get addicted to gambling.
As long as the band refuses to pay Duluth what’s due, the public can be reminded of the injustice. I have a number of friends on the reservation, and their feelings are the same as mine.
Al DeJulianie
Proctor