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Posted on: July 3, 2023, 01:29h.
Last updated on: July 3, 2023, 01:29h.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) is refuting criticism of her office’s handling of negotiations with the Seneca Nation regarding a new Class III tribal gaming compact.
Hochul recused herself from all government matters involving Delaware North, a gaming and hospitality firm headquartered in Buffalo, because of her husband’s employment there. William Hochul is the senior vice president and general counsel for Delaware North.
The company manages the gaming and food operations of Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack in Farmington and Hamburg Gaming. Both video gaming racinos are in Upstate New York near where the Senecas hold a monopoly on Las Vegas-style casino gambling west of State Route 14 in the Finger Lakes.
Hochul signed an agreement in 2021 soon after succeeding Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) stipulating that she would not involve herself with Delaware North matters. But with the Seneca’s revenue-sharing agreement set to expire in December, Hochul assigned close aides to handle the compact talks on her behalf.
Last month, Hochul’s office and the Seneca Nation surprised many when the two sides announced a new tribal gaming agreement. But after word got out that the terms included potentially allowing the tribe to construct a Las Vegas-style resort casino in Rochester, local and state officials scolded the governor for not involving them in such critical negotiations.
The controversy resulted in the New York Assembly refusing to pass a statute authorizing Hochul to sign the Seneca contract as required by the state constitution.
Discussions Ongoing
Hochul has been quiet on the Seneca Nation casino talks throughout the process, but the governor finally weighed in late last week before the long holiday weekend. Hochul says she has upheld her pledge to not input her opinion on the tribal treaty.
I recused myself from the beginning and delegated the responsibility to work with the Senecas, who wanted confidentiality around this from what I’m understanding,” Hochul said while visiting Rochester for the opening of a museum.
“The process is restarting. There will be more communication, and my team is looking forward to coming up with an agreement that serves everyone. That is the status right now — but again, I’m not involved in the negotiations, the timing, or the involvement in talking to other people about this.”
After the state Assembly opted not to allow Hochul to ratify the new compact, Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Sr. chided the governor for failing to communicate the discussions with relevant state lawmakers and local officials in Rochester. Armstrong believes Hochul purposely didn’t in a part of her scheme to stall the compact renewal, something that could benefit Delaware North.
“The greatest beneficiary of the Nation’s expiring compact is Delaware North,” Armstrong declared. “The Nation is once again reminded that Native Nations in the State of New York are secondary to corporate interests.”
Back to the Drawing Board
Though the Seneca compact wasn’t approved, Hochul says her office is back working with the tribe to find new terms that will be beneficial to both sides while not ruffling feathers in Rochester or any other upstate town.
“I have an outstanding team working on this,” Hochul added. “I believe that both sides are enlisting the top talent they can to work on this issue, and I’ll continue to make sure that we’re looking for a good outcome for all parties involved.”
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