Setting the Record Straight

I wanted to address two comments posted on the blog.

“Leb” writes:

I have had a number of conversations with people in San Pablo and the Lytton Tribe. Ms Hancock has never contacted the city, the City Council or the tribe to discuss this issue. These are her personal feelings and as an elected official she should have discussed these items with the cities she feels will be involved.
leb | Email | 10.19.04 - 7:49 am | #

Dennis Hill writes:

Dear Loni:
Thanks for giving us the opportunity and method to discuss these important community issues. As you know, no issue is ever 100% "Black or White", "Good or Evil". I think it would be important for YOU to talk directly with the City Council members of San Pablo to find out why they believe a casino would benefit their community. To take a position on such an important matter, based simply on emotion, is not doing justice to your constituency, especially the residents of San Pablo.
Dennis R. Hill | Email | 10.22.04 - 7:48 am | #

 

These statements are inaccurate.  First, I have discussed the casino proposal with members of the San Pablo City Council and the city manager.  In addition, I have invited the City of San Pablo as well as the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians to a legislative hearing in January, so that they can make a presentation and discuss with all of us, the benefits they believe would come to the tribe and the community from a casino with slot machines.

The negotiations between the City of San Pablo, the Lytton Tribe and the Governor’s Office took place long before the stories about the proposed Casino came out in the press in August.  I was not contacted about a 5,000 slot machine casino proposal by anyone with the City, the Lytton tribe, or the Governor’s Office.  In fact, it is frustrating when those negotiations took place no one bothered asking legislators from the region what they might think about a casino that size even though the law requires approval by the Legislature.

I would also point out that the sheer size of this project stands to impact the surrounding communities and cities along the I-80 corridor.  That is why I am holding a hearing, so that all of my constituents can have their voices heard.  My role as state legislator is not only to represent just the City of San Pablo but the cities of Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Emeryville, Kensington, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, Oakland, Walnut Creek and San Pablo. All of these constituents are invited to participate at the hearing in January.