N.M. group 'jumps the gun' to stop casino plans

September 13

In New Mexico, a group of state lawmakers are attempting to appeal to U.S. Interior Secretary Gale Norton in order to get her to reject a proposal to construct a casino near Anthony, saying it would set a horrible precedent that would cause irreparable damage to New Mexico.

Anthony is located just inside the southern border of New Mexico in between El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Anthony has a population of approximately 8 thousand residents and is located next to the very busy Interstate 25.

The Committee to Protect Dona Ana County that was created in opposition to the current planning of the highly anticipated new casino released the letter Saturday, Sept. 11. The letter backed by seven state lawmakers, was comprised of and signed by five members of the state House, and two members of the state Senate, including three Republicans and four Democrats.

Dated Sept 2, the letter asks Gale Norton to not allow any land in Anthony into federal trust for the development of a casino.

On the other hand, a spokesperson for Gerald Peters, the Santa Fe businessman working with Jemez Pueblo on plans for the casino, said the group's opposition is puzzling. This is simply because such opposition at this point is considered so premature.