BA residents call for city leaders' resignations

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. - Residents were fired up at Broken Arrow's City Council meeting Tuesday night, but the anger wasn't directed at the Kialegee Indian Tribe building a controversial casino.

Instead, residents were calling for city leaders to resign.

The meeting started just two hours after the Oklahoma Attorney General announced a lawsuit against the tribe.  Tuesday night's meeting started with an update about the suit.

"They're asking that all activities at the site be stopped until a legal determination with regard to those issues can be made," said Beth Anne Wilkening, city attorney.

The suit targets the Red Clay Casino being built at 111th and 129th East Avenue.

Then came the discussion about a proposed ordinance denying city utilities to the casino.

"They can't just go out there now and attach to the city's water line," said one speaker.

The mayor and council were advised to let the lawsuit play out first before making any decision.

That isn't something residents wanted to hear.

"I think that you should call on the termination of services of our city manager, I think you need to call on the termination of services of our city attorney and Mayor Lester I think it's time for you to respectfully step down," one resident told the council.

It wasn't just one person asking for resignations, it was several.

"I respectfully request the immediate resignations of you Mr. Mayor, the city attorney and the city manager," another speaker said.

No one stepped down during the meeting.

The mayor and council all said they do not support the casino.  The mayor told the residents they're being very careful about what kind of ordinances are created because the decisions could have much bigger consequences.

Mayor Mike Lester said he lives three miles away from the casino and drives by the project everyday.

"I understand the emotions rightfully so, that they have. But I have to do things in order. I understand they are mad at me and this isn't the first time people have been mad at me. I'm still elected to do a job. I will continue to do that job."

Attorney's for the tribe told 2NEWS, "The lawsuit is premature, and the best the attorney general can hope for is it will be stayed."

He also said the tribe will continue to move forward with construction.