West Plains Casino? ? No?

The Kalispel Indian Tribe’s odds don’t look so good.

Before the Kalispels can build a $17 million casino and hotel complex on the West Plains of Spokane County, they need approval from the Airway Heights City Council, the state Gambling Commission, the governor and the U.S. Interior Department.

A spokeswoman for the Gambling Commission told a reporter this week, “People are very concerned with tribal casinos popping up all over the place.”

True enough - a lot of people are concerned about that.

It’s true, also, that a lot of people are concerned about state lotteries popping up all over the place.

Indeed, Washington voters turned down a proposal to open up casino gambling in the state.

But political moods are hard to judge. In the late 1970s, two leaders in the Washington Legislature went to jail over a scheme to liberalize gambling legislation. In the ensuing gubernatorial campaign, Republican John Spellman vowed to oppose any expansion of gambling. But after he was elected, he signed the state lottery into law.

What do “Bagpipes” readers think of casino gambling on our turf?

Honey, they ranked the kids

A national study ranks Washington among the top 10 states - ninth to be exact - in terms of the welfare of children.

Consider this a lesson in the law of relativity. Being in the top 10, say advocates for children, does not mean kids have it easy here, just that they aren’t as bad off as in 41 other states.

In fact, if you’ve paid any attention to some of the community-based activities going on in Spokane County, you know that many people are scared to death about the plight of children.

From poverty conditions to the crimes committed against kids, often by their so-called protectors, to the crimes they commit against each other and the rest of society to their involvement with sex and drugs to their disinvolvement with education, there’s plenty to worry about.

What’s your view of the condition of children in Washington? Better yet, what would make it better - and not just relative to other states?

Is that snake licensed?

Got a boa constrictor, a chimp, a fox?

Spokane County commissioners are studying an ordinance to regulate them and other exotic pets.

Whether you own one or not, is that a good idea? And if so, how should it work?

, DataTimes MEMO: “Bagpipes” appears Tuesdays and Thursdays. To respond, call Cityline at 458-8800, category 9881, from a Touch-Tone phone; or send a fax to 459-5098 or e-mail to dougf@spokesman.com. You also can leave Doug Floyd a message at 459-5577, extension 5466.