Medford Raises Conflict of Interest Question to B.I.A.
The City of Medford has sent a letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs claiming that a conflict of interest exists within the federal process over the Coquille Indian Tribe’s proposed casino in south Medford.
The city points out the environmental contractor selected to prepare the environmental impact statement , Analytical Environmental Services, already has the Coquille Tribe as a client. The city is concerned A.E.S. would fail to objectively analyze the Coquille’s application.
The letter states A.E.S. has a history of conflict of interest complaints and their relationship with the B.I.A. involves several employees switching jobs between the agency and the business.
The correspondence outlines the many negative effects officials fear the casino would have on the neighborhood.
