New York Indian casinos in jeopardy

Michael Gormley

Friday, Aug. 31, 2001 | 11:08 a.m.

ALBANY, N.Y. -- The chance to open casinos in western New York is slipping away because of the state Assembly's failure to act on a gaming agreement Gov. George Pataki reached with Seneca Indians, according to Pataki.

"The governor is increasingly concerned further delay will cost us this historic opportunity to create jobs and opportunities in western New York," Pataki spokesman Michael McKeon said.

But Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver countered that rushing the proposal would be irresponsible.

"The speaker is not interested in politicizing the casino issue and the opportunity for casino gambling is not slipping away," said Charles Carrier, spokesman for the Manhattan Democrat.

The Senecas reached a deal with Pataki to bring three Las Vegas-style casinos to Niagara Falls, Buffalo and a site near the Seneca reservation. The deal also calls for slot machines.

But the tribe's early August referendum was postponed indefinitely as the Senecas await approval of the gaming agreement by the state Assembly.

Carrier said the Assembly's Democratic majority remains concerned about the effect of casinos on western New York communities. Specifically, Buffalo city officials think they may need a bigger cut of the revenues to pay for police and fire protection and other services, Carrier said.

The state Senate, controlled by Republicans allied with Pataki, have already approved the deal.

The agreement would allow the governor and Seneca president to enter into a final casino compact.

The state's cut would be 25 percent of the slot machines' revenue.

Seneca leaders have said they won't wait indefinitely before they pursue other economic development projects.

They have no deadline for the Assembly to act.

On Monday, the Western New York Coalition Against Casino Gambling met with the staff of Assembly Majority Leader Paul Tokasz. The coalition of 18 religious groups presented petitions signed by more than 650 people.

"The faith-based community is deeply troubled by any attempt to gain speedy approval of the proposed agreement," said the Rev. Mere Showers.

"Casinos will harm local businesses and further burden our community resources as we work to combat the social ills of gambling. We are extremely disappointed that the governor and Senate moved so quickly."