Pechanga Band Works With Communities

Re “A Middling Hand for State,” editorial, June 29: Contrary to your assertion, the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians does not “balk” at the prospect of working with local governments to mitigate off-reservation impacts. The Pechanga Band has fostered and maintained a cooperative, working relationship with the city of Temecula and Riverside County. We have conducted ourselves in a responsible manner.

In recent years, Pechanga has voluntarily paid more than $8 million to Temecula to offset the effects of its gaming facility. We have paid more than $30 million into a statewide fund designed to benefit local communities surrounding tribal casinos.

During its compact negotiations, the Pechanga Board also offered to enter into an agreement with Temecula and Riverside County for off-reservation mitigation measures.

Just as the state would not hand over its sovereign decision-making power to an arbitrator in its dealings with other governments, Pechanga cannot agree to let an unknown arbitrator dictate the terms of an intergovernment agreement regarding off-reservation mitigation measures.

Mark Macarro

Tribal Chairman, Pechanga

Band of Luiseno Indians

Temecula