Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Late last week, the Seneca Nation said a new gaming compact had been agreed upon in principle between the Seneca Nation of Indians and New York State. However, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says no so fast.
"Currently, there is no agreement," said Hochul while in Buffalo on Monday. "Negotiations are ongoing, and we've been involved in productive discussions for some time. It's a complicated issue, and we'll let you know when there's an agreement."
According to the Senecas, the new compact would include no exclusivity and no revenue sharing for cities hosting their casinos like Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Salamanca. Hochul, though, says the state remains committed to helping all the localities that are affected by this agreement.
"When the Senecas stopped making the payments that they were legally required to make in the past, the State of New York stepped up. We continue to step up and support financially Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Salamanca, because we do not want them to be adversely impacted," she said.
Leading the negotiations with the Seneca Nation from a state perspective is Gov. Hochul's chief counsel Brian Mahanna.
As the state continues negotiations with the Seneca Nation over the gaming compact, Republican candidate for New York governor this November, Bruce Blakeman was slated to meet with Seneca Nation president J.C. Seneca on Monday, while making a visit to Western New York. He says so far, there have been some good conversations between both parties so far.
"I think their biggest issue is the state won't negotiate with them. The state won't bargain with them. The state has been incredibly disrespectful," said Blakeman on Monday while in Buffalo's Old First Ward neighborhood. "[The Senecas] have made a tremendous investment, created a lot of construction jobs and permanent jobs in the region, and it's just indicative of the way that Kathy Hochul treats business.
"She doesn't sit down and work out issues, and sit down in a room with all the stakeholders to try and find out where the sensitive points and try to smooth over those sensitive points. She's not hands-on. I'm a hands-on leader."
Blakeman add the Senecas only want a partner at the table when trying to do business in New York.
"So far, Kathy Hochul - just like she completely ignored the people in Niagara - she's completely ignoring the Seneca Nation and the issues they have," Blakeman added.
Another issue with the Seneca Nation at the forefront is relating to the plans for a gas station and truck stop in the Old First Ward neighborhood along Ohio Street near Miami Street. With construction already underway on site, the City of Buffalo continues to push against the project, and has threatened legal action.
While Blakeman admits he's not too familiar with that situation - with it primarily being an issue between the Senecas and city - Gov. Hochul says it's something the state will keep an eye on.
"We want the Seneca Nation to have economic opportunities for their people, but that being said, those economic opportunities must be lawful, and should not come at the expense of businesses in the City of Buffalo," she noted. "I believe the City of Buffalo and Seneca Nation are in contact regarding this, and I'll continue to monitor it."
