Competition Would Change Tribes’ Position

Re “Tribe’s Measure Offers Tax Deal,” Jan. 22: In response to the Indian tribes’ offer to pay a mere 8.84% tax in return for a vast expansion of their gambling monopoly, our governor should say: “No way. It’s 25% and no expansion or we’ll legalize gambling, and then it’s hasta la vista, baby!”

Arthur Hansl

Santa Monica

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Amazing -- an estimated $5 billion to $6 billion a year in untaxed revenues from the tribal casinos (editorial, Jan. 18). Let’s do some planning, with real follow-through by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and former judge Daniel Kolkey, to legalize Nevada-style gaming in California. This, at a minimum, could provide the judge some leverage in renegotiating former Gov. Gray Davis’ giveaway. Let good old-fashioned competition -- or a credible threat of it -- work to California’s advantage.

Richard Boudreau

Torrance

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I have only seen three Indian gaming facilities, but they lend themselves to an alternate form of taxation. Why not set up a tollbooth a short distance from the entrance to casino properties? Charge a $20 toll fee per vehicle utilizing the roads. All vehicles, whether driven by employees, vendors or customers seeking entry, would pay the toll. The Indians would soon get the message and find taxation a suitable alternative.

Michael Minson

Los Angeles

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It’s time to ask the question underlying all the fuss about Indian casinos and their contribution to the revenue stream: Why do they have an “exclusive” on casinos? Now, let’s ask another question: Why does Nevada have no state income tax?

Beverly Stone

Bakersfield