With the future of the Buffalo Creek Casino hanging in the balance, the Seneca Nation has released results of a Zogby poll that addresses their role in the community in terms of the region's economic development.
The Nation, in advance of a legislative bill in Albany that would attempt to tax wholesalers who supply Indian businesses, set out to measure approval in the four counties where people strongly support Seneca Nation enterprises: Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus.
The telephone poll, conducted from August 19-22, 2008, with 907 participants, summed up opinion as follows, according to a Seneca Nation release:
Eight of 10 likely voters in four Western New York counties agree that Seneca Nation of Indians’ gaming and entertainment facilities mean steady new jobs and economic development, and nearly two-thirds think Nation businesses improve the region’s quality of life, according to a new poll by Zogby International.
The poll also determined that a wide majority of those questioned statewide believe that attempts by the New York State Legislature to impose taxes on the sale of tax-free tobacco by Indian retailers does not honor treaties between Indian nations and the U.S. government.
“We have long enjoyed respectful and neighborly relationships with the taxpayers of Western New York,” said Maurice A. John Sr., president of the Seneca Nation of Indians. “The Seneca Nation is part of this region and this poll shows it’s appreciated and understood that our retailing and casino gaming sectors drive our $1.1 billion economy, which supports the jobs of 6,300 people in this region.”
The Seneca Nation urged Gov. David Paterson to veto the legislative bill. The Zogby poll found that 46 percent of New Yorkers support vetoing it, and 46 percent support signing it. The poll’s executive summary concludes: “legislation aimed at ending the tax-free sale of cigarettes by Indian retailers does not continue to honor the treaty.”
“The poll makes clear that Gov. Paterson won’t be hurt politically if he vetoes this bill,” President John said, “so, for him, the primary choice comes down to doing what’s right, for two reasons. First, he espouses universal principles that he said the state’s leaders and people should follow. Second, he appreciates and understands the crucial economic growth our Nation offers to a state that is always looking for more upstate vitality. This poll of voters reinforces both those reasons.”
The 37-question poll also had the following findings from the likely voters:
Three in 10 say state government mistreats Indian tribes.
78 percent agree that Indian businesses – retail, gaming and entertainment – add opportunities for economic development and stimulate job growth.
Nearly all visitors to Seneca gaming and entertainment facilities rated them highly and 60 percent said they plan to return.
The vast majority has not purchased goods from Seneca retailers, but of those who have 25 percent bought gas and 17 percent purchased tobacco.
“The Zogby poll demonstrates that the state’s taxpayers value the contribution that the Nation makes to the state. And we value our relationships with our guests, neighbors and customers,” President John said. “The Seneca Nation is a vital cog in the upstate economy and trying to impose taxes on the tax immune would only hurt the economy and upstate’s residents.”
In the meanwhile, yesterday would have marked the first day beyond the ruling by the National Indian Gaming Commission stating that the Buffalo Creek temporary casino "can" close in five days or risk being fined. The fine of $25,000 per day would amount to less than one-third of what the casino took in on an average daily basis since opening last year.
Cornelius D. Murray, attorney for Concerned Citizens Against Gambling in Erie County sent a letter to the US Attorney's office this past Friday that stated: If the casino stays open after the 5-day notice period, Plantiffs will view this as contemptuous. Again, be advised that Plaintiffs will take such legal action as they deem appropriate to protect their legal rights.
As of this posting, there has been no word of a move to close the casino or impose a fine.
Above Photo: Seneca Nation of Indians President Maurice A. John Sr.