Tulalip picked for gambling commission

President Barack Obama wants a member of the Tulalip Tribes to lead the nation’s chief regulator of Indian gaming.

Obama has nominated Tracie Stevens to be chairwoman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, a three-member panel that regulates gambling activities which in 2009 produced $27 billion in revenues for Indian tribes.

“She’s a wonderful choice,” said Craig Bill, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs. “Based on her background, she will bring a different perspective for the present issues and view for the future to this job. And she’s a great representative of her tribe, the state and of the Northwest.”

Stevens is a senior adviser to the Assistant U.S. Secretary of Indian Affairs and worked on an array of tribal issues, including gambling, since getting hired in July 2009.

She’s built a national reputation from her work with the Tulalips. She held posts in marketing, operations and human resources and was executive director of strategic planning at the Quil Ceda Creek Casino.

She then became a policy analyst for the tribe from 2003-2006. She spent part of that time under the tutelage of Rep. John McCoy, D-Tulalip, when he was the tribe’s government affairs director.

She also served on the boards of the Washington Indian Gaming Association from 2002-09 and the National Indian Gaming Association from 2003-09.

“I’ve watched Tracie grow and she’ll do an outstanding job,” McCoy said. “She’s very well versed in the world of Indian gaming.”

She represented the Tulalips in negotiations to update gambling compacts between Washington and all federally recognized tribes in the state.

She also lobbied state lawmakers on tribe-related bills, including a controversial one in 2005 to allow the Tulalips to retain millions in sales tax revenue collected at Quil Ceda Village. The bill did not pass.

Her involvement in gambling operations, complex negotiations and policy debates “will help now that she’s on the other side,” Craig Bill said. “It is very, very positive to have someone with that experience in that position.”

The commission is an independent federal regulatory agency based in Washington, D.C. established by the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Its three members oversee a $20 million annual budget and 113 employees including auditors, attorneys and investigators. It has offices around the country, including one in Bellingham and another in Portland, Ore.

They monitor Indian gambling and can conduct investigations. Violations can lead to fines and other penalties.

Obama nominated Stevens on April 28. Her appointment must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Before a vote, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will hold a hearing on her nomination. No date has been set.

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., a member of the panel, is expected to introduce her.

“Gaming, of course, is a contentious issue, but the senator is happy to have someone from the Northwest be nominated who will bring a unique perspective to the commission,” said John Diamond, Cantwell’s communications director.

Reporter Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Guns for sale at Caso’s Gun-A-Rama in Jersey City, New Jersey, which has been open since 1967. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/New Jersey Monitor)
After suing, WA gets carveout from Trump administration plan to return gun conversion devices

The Trump administration has agreed to not distribute devices that turn semi-automatic… Continue reading

The Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility about 16 miles east of Ellensburg in central Washington is part of Puget Sound Energy’s clean energy portfolio. (Courtesy of Puget Sound Energy)
Megabill’s elimination of tax credits for clean energy projects could cost WA $8.7 billion

Washington households could see electricity costs increase $115 per year by 2029; 21,800 workers could lose their jobs by 2030, analysts say.

Everett mayor candidates focus on affordability, city budget in costly race

As incumbent Cassie Franklin seeks a third term in office, three candidates are looking to unseat her.

Everett
Judge sentences man, 73, for intending to have sex with ‘teen’ in Everett

The Arizona man sent explicit images to an agent posing as a 13-year-old. Investigators found images of child sexual abuse on his phone.

State’s draft of climate action plan open for public comment

Residents can submit public comments or climate-related stories online through Aug. 22.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.