The April 30 editorial “Tribal Gamble” states that “Rebuilding the Maine Indian State Tribal Commission, with both money and goodwill, is necessary to move both the tribes and the state forward.” As a former appointee to the Maine Indian State Tribal Commission representing Indian Township, I respectfully disagree. The commission always has existed as a hopeful “opportunity” to improve tribal-state relations and to move the tribes and the state forward. But the commission’s bilateral recommendations are frequently not supported either by the state legislature or Maine’s governor.

The commission has a title that suggests it is an entity equally representing the mutual interest of the tribes and the state. In reality, it’s more like a paper tiger whose demise may reduce a mere “opportunity” for better tribal-state relations but little else more important. It certainly won’t do anything to break the current monopoly on games of chance enjoyed by the state.

Also the editorial states that Gov. Baldacci vetoed the measure put forward by the Penobscots “because he believes all slot machine proposals should be voted on by the public.” The reason is to preserve the monopoly on slot machines in Gov. Baldacci’s hometown of Bangor.

I support Chief Kirk Francis’ desire to sever ties with the state because I see absolutely no opportunity for improved tribal-state relations while the current state administration is in place.

Roger Ritter

Princeton

‘Creepy Cal’