New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who recused herself from earlier negotiation with the Seneca Nation on renewal of the tribe’s gaming compact, now may participate in talks with the tribe on securing a new compact before the current 20-year deal expires on December 9.
Hochul had recused herself because her husband worked for Delaware North, which has gambling interests that compete with the Senecas’ three casinos in Western New York. In a statement issued August 30, she said that he ceased working for Delaware North earlier in August.
She said her staff “is working with the Seneca Nation of Indians to make sure we have an agreement that is fair, serves the interests of all parties, and addresses the needs of key stakeholders, and we look forward to continuing to work toward an agreement.”
Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Sr., citing news reports that Hochul would be involved in negotiations, said in a statement August 31, “I have not had any direct communication or meeting with Governor Hochul since I came into office in November. If she is now willing to meet with Seneca Nation leadership, I would welcome the opportunity.”
Armstrong noted that, for the past year, the Senecas have been “trying to negotiate a fair and reasonable” Class III gaming compact with the state’s appointed negotiating team.
“A new Seneca compact is critical to the Western New York economy and to the thousands of people we employ,” Armstrong said. “After today, we have approximately 100 days until our gaming compact expires. I am hopeful that direct dialogue with Gov. Hochul could help move our discussions toward a successful conclusion that protects the substantial jobs and economic benefits the Seneca Nation has delivered to Western New York for the past two decades.”
In July, the Senecas and the Hochul administration announced they had reached a tentative agreement on a new compact.
However, after it was revealed the agreement included authorization of a fourth Seneca casino in Rochester, protestations from Rochester officials and lawmakers representing Monroe County led the state House leadership to refuse to take a required vote authorizing Hochul to sign the new compact.
The Senecas currently operate casinos in Salamanca, Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
