End deceptive Prop 1 messages

It should be no surprise that Idaho native tribes are against Prop 1. Moreover, the rhetoric that has been directed toward tribes by those who support Prop 1 is simply misguided.

Idaho tribes – in large part from tribal casinos – contribute several hundred thousand dollars to our state’s economy. Prop 1 threatens not only the tribes’ way of life but also our state’s economy.

Prop 1 is bad legislation based on a failed policy from 2013. Idaho already had historical horse race machines and failed at them more ways than one. Not only were the machines installed far from what was advertised, the Idaho Racing Commission also failed to distribute promised funds to our public schools.

Not much has changed with Prop 1 – the same folks are behind it using the same deceptive tactics as 5 years ago.

Historic horse racing (slot machines) is not a necessity to save Idaho’s horse racing industry. Track owners in Idaho could host a race tomorrow if they wanted. Horse racing is already 100 percent legal in our state.

The deceptive campaign tactics from the proponents of Prop 1 and the negative messages against our state tribes should end today.

Rocky Watson, former sheriff, Kootenai County

Hayden, Idaho