Tribe must see why intent questioned

Published 9:00 pm Monday, January 9, 2006

I read in amazement the article in Friday’s Herald about the Stillaguamish Tribe having no plans for building a casino at Island Crossing.

In the article, tribe Chairman Shawn Yanity stated how he has to deal with fallout from people questioning the tribe’s intent on land purchases and that there are people out there who still think they get special privileges.

I have no idea why people would think such obscure thoughts. The tribe built a casino in a rural neighborhood after telling neighboring property owners that there would never be such development. The local community waged a legal battle against the tribe but had no chance in court because the tribe does receive special privileges and is exempt from all the rules and regulations the rest of us must live by. The casino was built in an area not zoned for commercial use. No impact fees, no road improvements, no studies or permits, all because the tribe does receive special privileges.

The tribe’s 2-acre triangle at Island Crossing has created a traffic nightmare that has caused many accidents, no lights, no fees, no traffic studies. In other words, no way anyone other than the tribe could do these things.

The people of this area fear future development by honest developers that have to follow all the rules and regulations. Just think how they feel about developers who don’t because they receive special privileges. Please, Mr. Yanity, save the song and dance for someone else.

Scott Baker

Arlington