He said prospects for casino gambling are “highly unlikely” because the PCCS would have to be recognized by the federal government to take advantage of a federal law that allows commercial gambling on tribal lands. “I think it’s pretty clear he’s going to make a decision based on the merits of the petition.” “I know firsthand that he has not made up his mind on it,” Little said.

Little said he has talked recently to Glendening about the recognition issue. Rodney Little - an official with the state housing department, which oversees the Indian commission - said he expects the tribe’s petition to be ready to go to Glendening within the next few weeks. “He would prefer not to comment until he has time to actually review and discuss what comes before him.” “He doesn’t want to prejudge whatever that proposal may be by talking about it now,” said Ray Feldmann, the governor’s spokesman. Glendening, who has steadfastly opposed casino gambling in Maryland, won’t say whether he will sign an executive order to recognize the PCCS once the tribe’s petition reaches his desk. Commission Chairman Leland McGee said he did not know if the commission would take action on the petition at the meeting. Since then, the tribe’s petition has languished in the state bureaucracy.Ī PCCS attorney says state officials are deliberately stalling action on the tribe’s petition and has asked them to explain its status at an Indian commission meeting Monday in Crownsville.

The commission voted in August 1996 to recommend that the tribe be recognized by the state. However, a panel of experts appointed by the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs has reviewed the PCCS’ claims and judged them valid. Baltimore Sun eNewspaper Home Page Close Menu

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