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ChamberWorks November 2002 |
» Past Issues |
» President's
Message
» Last
Call for Patterson Club Luncheon
» Taco
Loco Business After Hours Recap
» November
Business After Hours at Local Car Dealership
» Casino
Questionnaire
» Connecticut
Named 'Smartest' State
» Welcome
New Members!
The Board of Directors of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce urges all of its members to understand the imminent threat to our business, our town, the county and the State of Connecticut regarding the pending tribal recognition of the Golden Hill Paugussetts and the Schaghticokes.
The Golden Hill Paugussetts for example have plans to build a massive casino in Bridgeport once it is federally recognized. The reality of this happening must be a concern to all business owners in our town. The Bureau of Indian Affairs set a dangerous precedent when it recently granted tribal recognition when allowing two eastern Connecticut tribes to merge. The BIA chose to ignore three out of seven criteria in their own process, paving the way for easy tribal recognition to the Paugussetts, the Schaghticokes and six other tribes in Connecticut, some with enormous land claims.
The Paugussetts plan to swap their land claims for 200 acres on Bridgeport's waterfront in order to build the largest casino complex in the US. The initial phase calls for 35,000 parking spaces and a building 1-1/2 times larger than Foxwoods. The second and third phases are estimated to be over 175,000 sq. ft. of gambling space, a 1,200 room hotel, a marina, 6-10 restaurants, an olympic-size swimming pool, a convention center, and a 10,000 seat theater. While this might appear to be a boon to Bridgeport, the impact on the economy of the Town of Fairfield, the County and the State far outweighs the questionable financial benefits to Bridgeport.
A recent study commissioned by the Southwestern Regional Planning Agency (SWPRA) concludes that the new traffic created by a casino in Bridgeport would create traffic gridlock expanding to 14 hours per day. Traffic issues of this size would have long term effects on area businesses causing them to move away from the area. Workers looking for decent paying jobs would be offered low paying jobs in a casino. Home values would decline appreciably, as noted recently in the towns of North Stonington, Ledyard and Preston, where property values declined by 20% since the eastern casinos were built. The mayors of these towns recently pleaded with the state to provide additional funding to close budget gaps caused by over-spending for police, transportation infrastructure, and low-income housing. Why? Because casinos attracts low paying workers from off shore to fill casino jobs. These towns have obligations to care for their people, and since the tribes do not pay federal and state taxes, the burden rests with the local municipality. Land claims by these two tribes threaten to take away our homes and our heritage. The Paugussetts for example lay claim to most of Southport and the Mill River area in Fairfield, along with land claims in Bridgeport, Westport, Southbury, Shelton, Seymour, Orange, Derby, Woodbridge, East Haven, Branford and Trumbull; totaling some 750,000 acres! With uncertain land titles, homeowners will not be able to sell or refinance their properties. The Paugussetts smugly replied they would pay homeowners $1.00 to settle the title on their homes.
The Board of Directors at its November meeting submitted a formal notification to oppose any further casino expansion in Connecticut, acknowledged the flawed process for tribal recognition, and requested that an independent agency be appointed to replace the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
We'll talk along the way!
Mark J. Hawkins
President
Fairfield Chamber of Commerce
Last Call for Patterson Club Luncheon
We expect a big turnout for Jeff Benedict, author of Without Reservation, at the Patterson Club, November 6. Jeff's book chronicles the birth of an Indian tribe, the Mashantucket Pequots, who with a smart lawyer's help, were able to build one of the largest and most profitable casinos in the world.
Foxwoods and the Mashantucket Pequots opened a Pandora's box in which the State of Connecticut plays a big part. Through a pact made by Lowell Weicker when he was governor, the state garners around $400 million per year or 25% of the slot machine winnings. This is money that the state has come to depend on, and which they would reluctantly give up.
One of the reasons cited for Indian entry into the world of gambling is the Las Vegas Nights law. Legislators and the courts reasoned that if non-profit groups can hold events where casino-type gambling is allowed, then federally recognized tribes can engage in these activities as well. It now appears that the Las Vegas Nights law will soon be repealed as a way to stifle casino expansion in Connecticut. Because of the hoopla surrounding casino gambling and the Las Vegas Nights law, the chamber has determined that it would be in our best interest to have a contingency plan for our May 3 2003 fund-raiser, and we welcome any ideas that come our way.
Don't miss Jeff Benedict and this extraordinary event on November 6. Make the time to have lunch and get educated at the same time. This is probably the most important issue that will face our state for years to come. Call the office at 255-1011 and make your reservation now.
Taco Loco Business After Hours Recap
There was no doubt that everyone had a great time at the October 24 event,
hosted by owner Miguel Tomasio. The food was plentiful, and the margaritas were
terrific! Sixty people joined us for the networking opportunity.
Left: Host Miguel Tomasio and some attendees. Right: Networking in action.
November After Hours at Local Car Dealership
The November 14 Business After Hours will take place at 165 Commerce
Drive in Fairfield. Michael Brown, General Manager of the dealerships
known as Mercedes-Benz Fairfield, Audi of Fairfield, and Porsche of
Fairfield, has agreed to host the upcoming event. This should definitely
be one of the most interesting locations we have had the pleasure of
seeing. Please reserve early.
Casino Questionnaire
Following the example set by the Bridgeport Regional Business Council
and other chambers of commerce in Fairfield County, we are asking our
members to let us know how they feel about casino expansion in
Connecticut. Please take the time from your very busy schedule to fill
out the short questionnaire enclosed with this month's newsletter and
either mail or fax it back to us by November 30th. We would like 100%
participation regarding these questions in order to permit accuracy in
reporting back to you, our members.
An online survey will be available on this site later this month -- watch the home page for news.
Many thanks,
Patricia
Connecticut Named 'Smartest' State
According to the October 2002 Government Affairs Report published by the
CT Business & Industries Association, CT was ranked the smartest
state in the union.
According to the Morgan Quitno Press, the award is based on "21 education-related factors comparing the 50 States in more than 400 education categories. Included in the study are public high school graduation rates, student reading and math proficiency, average class size, pupil-teacher ratios, per pupil expenditures and teacher salaries. Way to go Connecticut!
Welcome New Members for October!
For contact information, consult
our online Member Directory.
- American Mortgage Services
- Blackrock Realty, LLC
- Philip H. Cerrone III, Architect
- Design One LLC
- Integrated Wellness
- Linda Meyers, Realtor
- Mike Tree Service, LLC
- Joanne Sezon, Market Research Recruitment
- Starbucks Coffee Company
- Steiner Talent, Inc.