Anthony Casino Approved By Dona Ana County
LAS CRUCES, NM. – A major decision about the economic future of Anthony (NM) and Dona Ana County is made Wednesday afternoon. County Commissioners voted to approve the controversial plan to build an indian casino in Anthony.
With a 3 to 2 vote, the proposedJemezPueblo casino got the approval of the Commissioners, however the result was somewhat in doubt. The main question was which side of the fence Chairman Bill McCamley would land on.
Mr. McCamley said “he believes the purpose of casinos is to take people’s money.” However he added that “the opportunity to create jobs with full health benefits is too great to pass up.”
The Jemez Pueblo wants to build a large casino right off the Anthony/Chaparral exit of I-10, nearly about 300 miles from the Pueblo. The tribe promises to create nearly 1000 jobs and provide valuable health coverage for employees, something many in Anthony don’t have.
Additionally, the tribe agrees to set up a $40-million community foundation over the next 13 years. However, the casino does have its share of critics, including Stan Fulton, the owner of Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.
Mr. Fulton, who’scasinowould be in competition with the new casino, offered to match the $40 million dollar commitment if the planwas defeated. Even with the vote, this is far from a done deal. The plan still needs approval from the federal government and Governor Bill Richardson has the final say.
Governor Richardson is a good friend of the casino’s developer but is also on record saying New Mexico has enough casinos.
Dona Ana County Commissioners Butler and Curry were the only votes against the proposed casino.
