Senator George Borrello has urged the state of New York to establish a new gaming compact with the Seneca Nation before the end of the year, according to a WRFA local news report. The current compact the Seneca Nation holds with the state of New York expires December 9.
Borrello told local news that he sent Governor Kathy Hochul a letter toward the end of last month to conduct negotiations with the Tribe “before time ran out.” The previous compact was established in 2002.
He also shared with local news that Seneca Nation of Indians President Ricky Armstrong “has repeatedly asked the governor to sit down with him and negotiate an agreement in good faith that is fair and addresses the needs of all parties, yet she continues to avoid the bargaining table.”
Up to now, negotiations to establish a new compact have been slow. Governor Hochul’s husband, William Hochul resigned from Delaware North on August 15 due to concerns raised over potential conflicts of interest.
During the last few years, Delaware North has received criticism for its role as a concessions contractor for the Buffalo Bills. According to a local news report, the state gave “hundreds of millions” in public funds toward construction of a new stadium.
The company and the Seneca Nation have been direct gaming competitors as well, another potential conflict of interest because of ongoing negotiations between the Tribe and the Hochul administration.
Following her husband’s resignation, the governor has issued a statement, stating that she “was no longer barred from the gaming compact negotiations.”
