Seneca Nation of Indians and New York Governor Kathy Hochul made a secret gaming deal a few days ago, allowing Rochester to host a new casino. Even so, state and local officials didn’t know about the deal. But the tables turned once their secret was revealed.
The Assembly had a heated debate and turned down legislation that would allow Gov. Hochul to officiate her agreement with the Native Tribe. Yet, she withdrew from the gaming deal since William Hochul, her husband, is Delaware North’s secretary and senior VP general counsel. The company is a rival of three gaming properties that Seneca Nation runs.
The existing gaming compact has been active since 2021, and it will expire in December. But the governor stated that she won’t engage in Delaware North’s deal. Instead, she appointed Counsel Liz Fine and Kathryn Garcia, her advisors, to negotiate for her.
Renewed Gaming Negotiations
Jennifer Lukey from News 10 NBC interviewed the governor on June 30 about the collapsed agreement. She asked her whether Rochester’s won’t get another chance to host a casino. Also, Lukey was concerned about why Hochul excluded state and local politicians in her discussions with Seneca Nation.
The governor said that she withdrew from the negotiations early. Yet, public sources claim that she delegated the task to handle the discussions with the tribe to her advisors. Besides, Seneca Nation didn’t want her to expose vital details about the gaming deal.
The renegotiations are restarting, and more communication will take place. Hochul reiterated that her advisors are determined to make a deal that will benefit all parties.
She explained that she cannot instruct her team on what to do since her recusal as it will compromise her situation. Still, she is optimistic that the gaming deal will get more support since her office will get new terms.
Hochul praised her team for its efficiency and reliability. She added that the two sides are engaging their skilled officials to negotiate the gaming deal. Moreover, she assured New Yorkers that she will ensure her office gets a good outcome and she will get the details later.
The Governor’s Office Faces Sabotage Accusations
Rickey Armstrong Sr., Seneca Nation’s President, recently released a statement claiming that the governor’s office sabotaged the gaming deal. He believes that she intentionally omitted her part of the agreement to delay Seneca Nation’s compact renewal.
Armstrong added that Hochul’s decision will benefit Delaware North. The New York Times reported that the tribe’s president stated that although the governor withdrew from the agreement, she failed to recuse her staff because she prioritizes Delaware North instead of Seneca Nation’s sovereignty.
Julie Wood, the governor’s spokeswoman, termed Armstrong’s statement as false. She said that they have discussed with the tribe for several months and urged the state’s lawmakers to pass the law.
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