Ad placed to answer questions on casino> Wampanoag Indians to boost visibility

The Wampanoag Indians of Gay Head, Mass., stung by criticism that they are failing to communicate the details of their proposed $200 million casino, are attempting to shore up support by taking their message directly to area residents.

The tribe took the unusual step of buying ad space in The Sunday Standard-Times to publish a letter to Greater New Bedford residents that took up nearly a full page — an ad that typically costs more than $1,300.

“We know how frustrated you may be … by a lack of updated information, concrete facts and figures, and definitive plans. We understand that you have questions and serious concerns and we want to work with you to address those concerns,” the letter said, in part. It was signed by Beverly Wright, tribal chairwoman.

Wright said Monday the letter was “hopefully to give some comfort to the people who are wondering what’s going on.”

“I think a lot of the people in New Bedford and surrounding areas expected to see the bulldozers there the day after we signed our agreement with the governor last August,” she added. “It’s a long, drawn out, complicated process and we have not stopped trying. I think we haven’t been as visible as we should have been, but we’re trying to be more visible.”

The letter comes 12 days after a stormy public hearing on the project and a City Council meeting at which councilors complained of a lack of information.

While the letter did not supply any new details about the project, it was welcomed as a signal that the tribe has heard the community’s concerns. It also comes at a critical time for the tribe, with a Dartmouth referendum less than a month away and legislators on Beacon Hill preparing to take up gambling proposals from competing forces.

“I think they’re finally getting the message that we’ve been trying to convey to them, that they need to be a presence in the community,” said Mayor Rosemary S. Tierney. “Elected leaders can’t do this for them. This is completely up to them.”

City Councilor David Alves, who supports the casino but has been the most outspoken critic of the tribe’s communication efforts, said the letter was at best a gesture that needs to be backed up with action.

“The money they spent on that ad, a 32-cent stamp or a 10 or 25 cent phone call probably would have gotten more from me,” said Alves. “This is a long-term relationship that you have to build on, and it’s a shame the Indians don’t give it the respect and weight it deserves. They have relied heavily on two elected officials,” he added, referring to Mayor Tierney and City Councilor George Rogers. “I don’t think two elected officials speak for the full city. I think the Indians have to build a broader base than that.”

The letter was more warmly received by City Councilor George Smith, who represents the ward in which the casino will be built.

“It was a good move,” he said. “I don’t want to say it’s a little late, but this is what has to be done. I was encouraged by it and I hope they’re going to open a dialogue.”

That dialogue will be necessary to stem an erosion of support that could easily occur. Already the initial euphoria that greeted the project is giving way to closer scrutiny, said Sen. Mark C.W. Montigny, D-New Bedford.

“They’re admitting that the community has begun to demand more discussion and to see two sides, and that’s good,” he said. “I certainly don’t want it to disintegrate to the point where the Wampanoags feel discouraged and look to go elsewhere. This is acknowledging that they must become more grass roots in their communication.”

While tribal leaders have criss-crossed the region speaking to chambers of commerce and other business and community groups, both supporters and opponents of the casino have increasingly complained about a lack of detailed plans and specific information.