Pope County Casino Fight Isn’t Over Yet
Despite a recent ruling and voter rejection, the fight for a Cherokee casino in Pope County, Arkansas, continues through legal appeals and potential legislative action.Summary
The battle over a Cherokee Nation casino in Pope County, Arkansas, is ongoing despite a state Supreme Court ruling and a voter-approved amendment revoking its license. Amendment 104, backed by the Choctaw Nation to protect its casino interests, allows the legislature to alter voter-approved constitutional amendments, a move critics say undermines direct democracy. While the Cherokee Nation is appealing the ruling in federal court, arguing a violation of the takings and equal protection clauses, Pope County Judge Ben Cross believes immediate reinstatement of the license is unlikely, focusing instead on potential damages. Legislative intervention remains a possibility, though currently unlikely, to honor the wishes of local voters who favored the casino.
(Source：Arkansas Business — Business News, Real Estate, La)