In what might be described as backpedaling, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt issued a second letter to tribal leaders in the state requesting that negotiations on the renewal of gaming compacts begin in September. This time, however, he wasn’t threatening to end them by the end of the year.
The letter was more conciliatory to the tribes, and said the state and tribes should work together for the good of everyone.
“I propose we table the issue of the renewal or termination date of the existing compact, and use our time more productively by focusing on coming to a shared vision of gaming in Oklahoma for the future,” he wrote in the letter.
“Experience has taught us the immense progress we can achieve when the state of Oklahoma and the tribes of Oklahoma work together,” Stitt wrote. “I am committed on building on that legacy and invite the tribes to engage in meaningful discussions about gaming in Oklahoma to advance our shared commercial and economic interests.”
Stitt appointed Attorney General Mike Hunter as the lead negotiator. Hunter has previous experience in tribal negotiations, working out a deal between the state, the city of Oklahoma City, the Chickasaw Nation and the Choctaw Nation over the use of water. Representatives from the state Senate and House will also be part of the negotiations.
Hunter said that he’s honored to be chosen.
“I very much appreciate the governor’s trust and confidence in our office and look forward to working with him, legislative leadership and tribal leaders to forge an agreement we can all take pride in and benefit from.”
The second letter followed a firestorm or criticism over the initial missive that united the tribes against the governor’s mandate. Leaders of 29 tribes responded that they would resist the governor’s efforts to raise fees, but they were willing to talk.
At issue is the tribes contention that the compacts can be renewed automatically, while the governor believes that they need to be renegotiated.
The tribes responded cautiously to the second letter. A statement from the leaders of the Five Civilized Tribes said there were still some outstanding issues.
“In the meantime, we appreciate Governor Stitt’s recognition of the importance of our intergovernmental relationship and the tribes’ contributions to Oklahoma,” the statement reads. “We welcome the inclusion of the Oklahoma attorney general and legislative leadership into the conversation. While his latest communication is warmer in tone, we still have concerns and will formally respond in due course.
“As always, we believe we are stronger working together than we are apart.”
The statement was signed by Cherokee Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Chickasaw Gov. Bill Anoatubby, Choctaw Chief Gary Batton, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James R. Floyd and Seminole Nation Chief Greg P. Chilcoat.
