Jason Harris to Run for Catawba Chief, Provides Update on Two Kings Casino
Posted on: April 3, 2023, 09:54h.
Last updated on: May 25, 2023, 06:08h.
UPDATE (4/7, 8:45 am ET) – The story has been updated to include the other Catawba members who have announced their candidacy.
The current assistant chief of the Catawba Nation is seeking higher office.
On Monday, Jason Harris announced his candidacy to be the chief of the Carolinas-based tribal nation. If elected, he would replace Chief Bill Harris, a distant cousin who isn’t seeking re-election, according to a candidate’s spokesperson.
Jason Harris touted his service on his campaign website in two terms as assistant chief. In that position, he said he worked with other Catawba members to help the nation secure gaming rights.
Catawba’s Two Kings Casino is located in Kings Mountain, NC, roughly 30 miles west of Charlotte. It survived a legal challenge from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, who protested the federal government’s decision to take North Carolina land into trust for the nation whose reservation previously was exclusively in South Carolina.
South Carolina has denied the tribe the ability to operate a casino there.
Two Kings currently operates out of a temporary venue on the 17-acre site until its permanent, $273 million resort opens.
“I’m running for this office because I believe that our tribe deserves a Chief who is committed to making tangible improvements in the lives of our citizens,” Harris said in a statement. “That’s why my platform includes key items like finishing the casino project, providing per capita payments to our citizens, and offering a death benefit to ensure financial security for families in their time of need.”
Concerns Raised
Construction on the permanent venue has been delayed by a federal investigation into arrangements the Catawba Nation leaders made with Kings Mountain Sky Boat Partners. In December, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) said in a 30-page letter that the decision to let Sky Boat “manage in part” an expansion of the temporary casino took place without the federal agency’s permission.
NIGC officials also raised concerns that the tribe isn’t the primary beneficiary of the casino, which is a requirement under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).
The commission’s letter said the parties face fines of up to $57,527 per day for each violation, and the commission may order the casino to shut down temporarily, too.
‘Significant Progress’ Made on Two Kings
In a statement to Casino.org on Monday, Harris said the tribe is “working diligently to resolve some language issues” with the commission through its lawyers.
We remain committed to protecting and growing our rights under IGRA in our aboriginal territories in North Carolina,” Harris told Casino.org. “Once we have resolved these issues and all parties are comfortable, we will proceed with scheduling construction.”
Still, he added that the Catawba Nation has “made significant progress” in completing the permanent resort.
“We have been working closely with several reputable banks eager to provide financing for this project, given our successful track record and revenue generated from our current casino operations,” he said.
About the Catawba Election
The chief’s position is part of the five-member Catawba Nation Executive Committee, including the assistant chief, a secretary-treasurer, and two qualified members of the tribe’s community. All seats will be up for election on July 29.
Two other individuals, Jackie Bagley and Brian A. Harris, have also filed to run for chief.
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Last Comments ( 8 )
lol white males posing as $5 Indians operating casinos is hilariously funny.
Trying to contact Steve Bittenbender regarding Sports Betting in Ohio
This article clearly showed before the change that was made. That it’s all about oneself, forgetting that there are 2600+ more people in the tribe. I’m appalled by the lack of truthful information that has been left out. But I guess that’s why people always put the ugliest side of the Christmas tree against the wall.
Hello. Thank you all for the comments. Apologize for not updating sooner, but I've been working on another project. I did update the article once I knew there were other candidates. I do plan on reaching out to the other candidates in the near future. If those candidates wish to reach out, my email address is: [email protected]. As far as the "lack of truthful information," if you're referring to me not mentioning other candidates, then I'll be happy to explain. I focused my search of the Catawba website on the "About our government" section. When I did not see a list of candidates there, I wanted to put a line that at least explained to the reader (who is likely not a member of the Tribe) that he could face opposition for the position.
I want to thank the writer of this article for sharing casino information with the Catawba Nation. If it wasn’t for articles like this one. We the tribal members would not know what’s going on. Nominations for Chief have been out for months. So I find it odd, it stated that he may not have opposition. When every tribal member knew months ago who they are. Once again, thanks Steve for keeping us Catawba members informed.
He most definitely is facing two opponents in the election.
Yes Jason Harris is running against Brain Harris for ?hief
There are three candidates running for the Chief’s position.