Dear Editor:
The placement of the South Mountain Loop 202 Freeway on the Gila River Indian Reservation should be determined by the enrolled members of the Gila River Indian Community, not by elected officials.
First, the enrolled members of the Gila River Indian Community should vote on whether they want the 202 freeway on their Gila River Indian Reservation. A vote by the members of the Indian community will tell their elected officials (community council, governor and designees) what their decision is.
If, they agree to the placement of the freeway on this Indian reservation, the enrolled members of this community should again vote to determine what alignment will be acceptable.
The Gila River Indian Reservation is for the Pima and Maricopa tribe's homes, schools, churches, health care facilities, recreation facilities, police/fire departments, governmental offices and economic development projects to meet the needs of this Indian community.
The elected tribal officials (community council, governor, and designees) have an obligation to the enrolled members of the Gila River Indian Community. The only and best way to decide this issue is through a vote.
Renay Peters
Lillian Wilson Rideau
Gila River Indian Community
