Remarks by Julie Huff to Placer County Supervisors

Remarks by Julie Huff, Tribal Member, To the Placer County Board of Supervisors

Council members, good afternoon. My name is Julie Huff and I am a member of the United Auburn Indian Community. My parents, many members of my tribe, and I have been life-long residents of the community of Placer County.

As you are well aware, the goal of our tribe is to reach economic self-sufficiency. Gaming provides us the opportunity to reach that goal. Indians finally have the opportunity to gain a hand-up rather than a hand-out. We want to work with local governments while we strive to make this dream a reality. We want to cooperate with our neighboring communities because this is our neighborhood too. I live in this area and I want my county and my tribe to come to an understanding that benefits all of us.

Now, the United Auburn Indian Community is extending our hand to you, and the entire county of Placer. We believe it is good government and good business to work with you on this project. In fact, it is beyond good government and good business, it is just the right thing to do.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was drafted in good faith. We realize that introducing a gaming facility in to a community creates concerns. The MOU addresses these concerns and attempts to limit their potential impacts. By signing the MOU you will provide Auburn, Rocklin, Lincoln, and Roseville with specific protections that are enforceable — an action that will serve as a model for the state and the nation.

As a resident of this community and a member of the United Auburn Indian Community, I hope you will accept the MOU. Just as I once encouraged my tribe to work with our local governments, I am now encouraging you to work with us.

The MOU is good for Placer County and it is good for the United Auburn Indian Tribe.

Thank You.