Wampanoags decline deal with investors
Council hopes for better terms
The newly elected leaders of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe have opted not to endorse a deal they have with a group of deep-pocketed casino investors, the latest impediment to the tribe's efforts to build a $1 billion casino in southeastern Massachusetts.
The tribal council, hoping to get a more favorable deal, voted unanimously last week not to reaffirm a 2007 development contract that a previous group of tribal leaders had negotiated with the investors, Sol Kerzner and Len Wolman, who built Connecticut's Mohegan Sun resort.
It is not clear how big of a rift the dispute represents.
The vote does not mean that the tribe is walking away from the deal, at least for now, and they still have a contract with Kerzner and Wolman to try to build a casino in Middleborough.
"The terms did not seem in the best interest of the tribe," said Cedric Cromwell, who began reviewing the contract after being elected in February.
Cromwell said there were certain terms of the deal that he objected to, although he would not get into details. He also said the former tribal chairman, Glenn A. Marshall, ignored professional advice against the deal in letters that were only recently discovered.
The investors released a statement that said: "Under the terms of our agreement with the tribe, which is in full force and effect, we do not feel it would be appropriate at this time for us to comment on any pending matters with the tribe."
Both sides have incentives to patch things up.
A multimillion dollar windfall could be at stake. The investors have been banking on the tribe being able to use its federal rights to open the first casino in Massachusetts.
The tribe is relying on the investors to provide front money and expertise.
Matt Viser can be reached at maviser@globe.com. 