Rhode Island Governor's Request Refused

As reported by the Rhode Island News: "The Rhode Island Supreme Court has refused Governor Carcieri's request to provide an advisory opinion on the constitutionality of the casino proposal headed for the Nov. 7 ballot.

"Passage of a constitutional amendment would help clear the way for the Narragansett Indian tribe to partner with Harrah's in building a West Warwick casino, a proposal that the governor opposes. I

"n a July 10 letter to the court, Carcieri asked, among other questions, whether the proposed constitutional amendment would 'inappropriately give the town of West Warwick and the potential casino operators a Constitutional right -- the right to own and operate a casino -- that it denies to all other communities and citizens.'

"The court's order says, 'We note at the outset that we take no position on either the merits or the wisdom of the question presented to the voting public by the General Assembly to amend the Rhode Island Constitution to allow for a privately owned and operated casino in West Warwick."'

"'However, because your request is laden with procedural infirmities, we must respectfully decline to entertain it,' the court said.

"…Narragansett Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas cautiously hailed the court's decision…"

2006-07-13