BANGOR (AP) – Meeting for the first time since last week’s defeat of an Indian casino proposition, Gov. John Baldacci and tribal leaders set forth a process to come up with a common economic development strategy.

Baldacci commended the leaders of four Maine tribes for agreeing to meet, and reiterated his belief that the lopsided Nov. 4 vote was not an expression of negative feelings toward the Indians.

Penobscot Chief Barry Dana also said after the closed, two-hour meeting at Bangor International Airport that he believes last week’s vote did not have ethnic overtones. The Passamaquoddy, Micmac and Maliseet tribes also were represented Wednesday.

Dana noted that polls weeks before the referendum showed supporters and opponents about equally divided, and it was only late in the campaign that opponents pulled ahead. The change suggests that voters were influenced by issues raised during the campaign and not by long-held biases.

The Penobscots and Passamaquoddies saw the $650 million casino project as a major economic development venture that would create thousands of jobs and keep young people from leaving Maine while benefiting their tribes.

The defeat by a 2-1 margin hit tribal members doubly hard because voters on the same day approved a plan to allow slot machines at Maine’s commercial harness racing tracks.

At Wednesday’s meeting, tribal members appeared to be willing to move forward. Dana said that while there are still some raw feelings, it’s time to set forth a process to formulate an economic development plan benefiting Indians and the state.

“We, as a state, need to pull together,” Baldacci said. “I think this is a significant step, but we have more steps to take.”

Baldacci directed the state Department of Economic and Community Development and his staff to meet with tribal leaders within the next 30 days and work up an economic development strategy. He also told members his staff to attend upcoming tribal council meetings for the same purpose.

The governor mentioned wind power as one industry the state and tribes might pursue.

Indian officials besides Dana attending the meeting included Chief Brenda Commander of the Houlton Band of Maliseets, Gov. Melvin Francis of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point, Chief William Phillips of the Aroostook Band of Micmacs and Gov. Robert Newell of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township.

AP-ES-11-12-03 1737EST