"We plan on conducting business as usual." That was the message from Seneca Nation President Maurice A. John, Sr.
"We intend to continue operations at Seneca Creek Buffalo Casino, and there's no reason to consider any other alternative. The decision yesterday was complex, but we are a sovereign nation. We'll always be here forever," John promised.
John was referring to Judge William Skretny's pronouncement yesterday that though the Buffalo Creek Casino site is owned by the Senecas in title, they are not eligible to conduct legal gambling there. The lawsuit was filed by Citizens for a Better Buffalo in reference to the Buffalo Creek Casino on Michigan Avenue and Perry Street in the Cobblestone District.
John said that they have hired attorney Lawrence H. Tribe, one of America's foremost scholars of constitutional law and a Supreme Court expert. When asked if the Senecas expected their appeal to reach the Supreme Court, John responded, "He may help if there is federal action or an appeal. We'll be ready for sure."
One member of the Seneca Nation Legal Council said that it was too early to say, but that the Senecas will most likely appeal. "There's no need to ask for a stay because there is no injunction in place," she said of Skretny's announcement that gambling would cease at Buffalo Creek.
When asked if the ruling concerning Buffalo Creek could affect business at the Niagara Casino, John said, "That's apples and oranges. We're operating legally under the National Indian Gaming Commission and are in compliance with federal laws."
John continued, "We've faced many challenges, overcome obstacles, and there will be nothing less at this juncture. We do what we need to for our people and the people of Western New York. There are 1,100 to 1,500 new jobs at stake."
Seneca Gaming Chairman Barry E. Snyder Sr. said, "We're here to support the Seneca Nation. We're going to stay open in Buffalo Creek and continue construction. More than 4,000 people will still be able to enjoy the downtown facility, and we'll remain focused as the single largest local project in Buffalo history."
Though there are critics who say that the larger community is not helped by the presence of a casino, John countered that the Taylor Report was just released to them with information to the contrary. He made note of the fact that Mayor Paul Dyster of Niagara Falls, Mayor Byron Brown of Buffalo, and Erie County Executive Chris Collins are all in favor of casinos and their positive impact on local economy. "We just paid the State $54.7 million this week," John said.
When asked if there would be a new court action, John responded, "Maybe we'll be the ones starting it. We have years on our side, and we'll use them wisely."
Seneca Gaming Corporation spokesman Phil Pantano said, "We won't go into specifics, but the Nation is not a party." He said that though they may be included in filing an action, "We need to explore this...think through our options."