Connecticut Tribal Officials' Salaries Scrutinized

NEW LONDON, Connecticut – As reported by the Associated Press: "Members of the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Indian tribes are scrutinizing their elected officials' six-figure salaries and benefits.

"The southeastern Connecticut tribes run two of the largest casinos in the world. The Pequots manage Foxwoods Resort Casino near Ledyard and the Mohegans run the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville.

"Members of the Mohegan tribe are debating whether to freeze the salaries and benefits of nine tribal councilors and seven elders counselors while making future salary increases subject to member approval.

"Tribal councilors start at about $240,000 a year. Entry-level salary for elders councilors is $70,000.

"…Members of the Mashantucket Pequots are calling for tribal councilors to disclose their compensation plans, which they say are not made public.

"A tribal member who once worked in the government offices said councilors' salaries start at $500,000 a year, and they receive bonuses each year. In a recent tax appeal lawsuit, court documents indicated that former Councilor Jo-Ann Dark Eyes made $3.6 million between 1996 and 1998…"