Michael A. Pellegrino
April 22, 1961
- - -
April 5, 2007
not a done deal
no casino!
FURTHER INFO
US District Court
January 12, 2007
cbB Press Release
December 11, 2006
Baird Foundation
December 11, 2006
Amicus motion by SNI
Judge Whalen (mp3)
Joe Finnerty (mp3)
Motion by cbB for
Summary Judgement
cbB Policy Memo
Federal Claim summary
Pataki's Compact
Library
about cbB
CACGEC
SEND $$$
Write out a check in favor of: The Network of Religious Communities and in the memo space write "No Casino"Then mail it to this address:
No Casino
c/o Stenger & Finnerty
70 Niagara Street, Third Floor
Buffalo NY 14202-3407
You'll be so glad you did. And thank you!"
STAY TUNED
e-mail your comments to:Ed@BetterBuffalo.com
and we will keep you abreast of Casino developments.
POLLS
Verbal Comments
26 Oct 2006
Common Council Hearing
AGAINST: 50/53 = 94.3%FOR: 3/53 = 5.7%
Note: the three voices FOR the Casino were either lawyers or construction unions. The fifty voices against were civilians and business owners.
Poll of Letters and Commentaries
Jan - Oct 2006
AGAINST: 25/36 = 69.4%
FOR: 11/36 = 30.6%
Those AGAINST:
Bartley
Borland
Buffalo News
Cauley
Elliott
Esmonde
Gault
Giambra
Golisano
Graham
Helenbrook
Jackson
Lambros
Metzger
Morrow
Paladino
Persico
Regan
Reinhardt
Shapiro
Schulman
Trace
Whalen
Wellins
Wilcox
Those FOR:
Baier
Clifford
Coleman
Franco
Galvin
Heron
Marconi
Occhino
Pellegrino
SanFillipo
Schenk
FOR THE RECORD:
Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority
Here's a chance to witness common sense taking hold.Thursday, November 9
1 p.m.
Buffalo and Erie County Public Library
Lafayette Square
You can also write to BFSA members:
Hon. Byron W. Brown
Mayor of Buffalo
201 City Hall
65 Niagara Square
Buffalo, NY 14202
phone: (716) 851-4841
e-mail:
pcutler@city-buffalo.com
bbrown@city-buffalo.com
Mr. Anthony J. Colucci, Jr.
Senior Attorney
Block, Colucci, Notaro & Laing, P.C.
1250 Statler Towers
Buffalo, NY 14202
phone: (716) 854-4080
fax: (716) 854-0059
Hon. Joel A. Giambra
Erie County Executive
95 Franklin Street
16th Floor
Buffalo, NY 14202
phone: (716) 858-8500
fax: (716) 858-8411
e-mail: GiambraJ@Erie.gov
Mr. John J. Giardino
(Deputy Treasurer)
Partner
Lippes, Mathias, Wexler, & Friedman, LLP
665 Main Street, Suite 300
Buffalo, NY 14203
phone: (716) 853-5100
fax: (716) 853-5199
e-mail: jgiardino@lippes.com
Mr. Brian J. Lipke
(Chair)
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Gibraltar Industries
3556 Lake Shore Road
P.O. Box 2028
Buffalo, NY 14219-0228
phone: (716) 826-6500
Rev. Richard A. Stenhouse
(Secretary/ Treasurer)
Pastor
Bethel African Methodist
Episcopal Church
1525 Michigan Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209
phone: (716) 886-1650
Ms. Alair Townsend
(Vice Chair)
Publishing Director
Crain's New York Business
711 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017-4036
phone: (212) 210-0294
Mr. Robert G. Wilmers
Chairman
M & T Bank Corporation
One M&T Plaza
Buffalo, NY 14203
phone: (800) 724-2440
fax: (716) 842-5839
cc BFSA Staff:
Ms. Dorothy A. Johnson, M.S.
Executive Director
Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority
617 Main Street
400 Market Arcade Bldg
Buffalo, NY 14203
phone: (716) 853-0907
fax: (716) 853-9052
e-mail: info@bfsa.state.ny.us
Federal Court Hearing
This hearing merits taking time off work!Wednesday, November 1
2 p.m.
United States Courthouse
68 Court Street
(by Niagara Square)
Judge William Skretny will hear arguments for and against the Motion for Summary Judgement. citizens, this could be a newsworthy event so why not be there? Show the Judge you care about stopping shameless, illegal, unfair, back-door deals.
Common Council Vote
Will they vote to support the sale of Fulton Street? Will they demur? Defer? So much to read and so little time!Tuesday, October 31
2 p.m.
Common Council Chambers
Buffalo City Hall
Supposedly this vote will be open to the public. Of course, the vote may never happen if Council Members decide during the caucus, quite sensibly, that their jobs will be lost if they don't kill the Fulton Street sale immediately. After all, who would sell a street for one third of it's appreaised value and expect to keep their job on the basis that they had got the best deal for Buffalo?
Common Council Caucus
Caucus of the Buffalo Council Members:Monday, October 30
2 p.m.
Room 1417
Buffalo City Hall
The sale of Fulton Street
to the Senecas
Supposedly this caucus will be open to the public. Have you noticed that it is so much more difficult for politicians to squeak through their secret deals when the pubic is watching? So be there!
Common Council Hearing
Go tell your Councilman what you think of the Seneca Creek Casino deal!Thursday, October 23, 6 p.m.
Common Council Hearing:
Buffalo City Hall
Common Council Chambers
The sale of Fulton Street
to the Senecas
Don'tcha just love Democracy at work!? Citizen, do you pledge? Do you favor freedom and justice for all? Then get down to City Hall and tell the Councilmen what you think about this awful, secret deal!
THE END
WORDS IN THE ETHEREAL
Settle the legal issue Request for expedited casino ruling ought to be heeded by federal courtUpdated: 07/19/07 6:57 AM Recently, Citizens for a Better Buffalo and others opposed to the Seneca Nation’s Buffalo casino filed court papers asking U.S. District Court Judge William M. Skretny to expedite a decision. The sooner this issue is settled, the better for everyone concerned, and especially for Buffalo. At present, the Senecas are proceeding full speed ahead into an uncertain future and casino opponents, despite setbacks, are trying to apply the brakes. But what’s really driving this issue is the court case that seeks a ruling on whether or not the downtown site now is sovereign land and thus usable immediately for casino development, and an injunction request that would block casino operations. The court should move with all deliberate speed to settle that. Skretny, a good federal judge fully capable of determining how “deliberate” that speed must be, got this hot potato back when the National Indian Gaming Commission issued a decision, shortly before the Fourth of July, in favor of the Senecas, who quickly opened the doors to a temporary facility. Gamblers ratified that decision in droves. But this isn’t a popularity contest, it’s a legal one. Opposition group lead attorney Joseph M. Finnerty filed new papers and a motion to expedite. The issues have been briefed and argued, making that a practical request. It’s important that the federal court gets this right, but if that decision also can be fast-tracked it would bring resolution a major step closer for the Senecas, their legal opponents and the city. No need to lampoon judge, Indian leader Updated: 07/14/07 6:37 AM The respect and integrity of a federal judge and a leader of the Seneca Nation is above the caricature distortion printed in some of the media. Our shared responsibility is to nourish and perpetuate a neighborly relationship. Maurice A. John Sr. President, Seneca Nation of Indians FEDERAL COURT Casino foes seek expedited decision on legality Updated: 07/13/07 6:57 AM Opponents of the Seneca Nation’s Buffalo casino filed more court papers Thursday, and they plan to ask a federal judge to make an expedited decision declaring the casino operation illegal. A federal agency’s decision that allowed a temporary casino to open July 3 was “inconsistent” with laws dealing with Indian gambling, the Citizens for a Better Buffalo and other casino opponents said in court papers. “We’ll be asking Judge [William M.] Skretny to expedite this case as much as possible and set up a time for legal arguments on summary judgment,” said Joseph M. Finnerty, lead attorney for casino opponents, who have spent more than $1 million in their legal fight. Finnerty’s clients want Skretny to issue a permanent injunction that would shut down the temporary casino and prevent the Seneca Nation from opening a permanent one here. Despite the National Indian Gaming Commission’s July 2 decision allowing the casino to open, Skretny still must decide on the basic issue of whether land the Senecas bought near HSBC Arena is sovereign Indian land, Finnerty said. If it is not, he said, it cannot be legally used for gambling. The Seneca Nation and the federal government say the casino should stay open. Philip N. Hogan, chairman of the gaming commission, gave the Senecas permission to open the casino. Hogan said he believes that the Buffalo casino meets the legal requirements for off-reservation Indian casinos. The Senecas intend to replace their small temporary casino, containing 124 slot machines, with a much larger, permanent one that would employ 1,000 to 1,500 people. The temporary Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino on Michigan Avenue has been busy since its opening. “So far, it’s been remarkable,” said Philip J. Pantano, spokesman for the tribe’s gambling company.Senecas feelings of denial make news
06/22/2007In an absolutely astounding development, SGC legal counsel has been recorded by a Buffalo newspaper whining in public about why New York State has not done more to defend the shameless casino proposition that George Pataki signed so secretly:
Seneca Gaming Corp. executives Thursday said they’re moving “full speed” ahead toward opening a casino in Buffalo’s Cobblestone District but expressed frustration that the state has not done more to help defend legal challenges to the venture.
The state collects millions of dollars in slots revenue from existing Seneca casinos in Niagara Falls and Salamanca, executives pointed out during a New York Gaming Summit in the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel.
“I think there’s been very little outreach from the new governor with respect to what’s happening [in Buffalo],” said Barry W. Brandon, Seneca Gaming senior vice president and general counsel. “From the nation’s perspective, you’re writing checks to the tune of $80 [million], $90 million and sending it to someone. You’re kind of asking, ‘What is it you’re doing to continue to warrant those types of payments?’ ”
Senecas in denial buy more land near proposed casino
06/22/2007The Seneca Erie Gaming Corp. has added to its property holdings in the city with the purchase Thursday of a Perry Street building — even before getting the go-ahead to open its temporary Buffalo casino. Seneca Gaming bought the Ansel Press building for $1.4 million. Located at Perry Street and Michigan Avenue, directly across the street from the casino, the property is outside the Seneca’s sovereign territory and will remain on tax rolls. “We have an agreement with the City of Buffalo that we will explore economic development opportunities beyond the nine-acre sovereign site,” said Phil Pantano, gaming corporation spokesman. “This underscores that commitment and our desire to invest in Buffalo’s future.” The Senecas paid more than double the $510,000 that Ansel Press paid in September 2003 when it bought the 33,000-square-foot, one-story building from Graybar Electric Corp. Seneca Gaming plans to use the building to house support services for its planned $125 million Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, Pantano said. “It’s a long-term investment to support the Buffalo operation. It will likely house human resources staff and other non-gaming aspects of the permanent casino,” he said. It is also expected to provide office and warehouse space for the temporary casino and to serve as a field headquarters during construction of the permanent facility. The Senecas made the purchase one week after casino opponents filed another federal court action to block the gambling operation. On June 15, Citizens for a Better Buffalo and other casino foes filed a notice of appeal with the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals, asking the court to declare that casino gambling cannot be legally conducted in the city because the nation’s nine-acre site was improperly designated as sovereign Indian territory. In January, U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny ordered the National Indian Gaming Commission to review its 2002 decision process, which opened the door to establishing the Seneca Buffalo Creek Territory, essentially a two-squareblock area bounded by Michigan and South Park avenues and Perry and Marvin streets. The $3 million temporary casino was completed this spring and stands ready to open as soon the federal gaming commission gives a favorable review ruling. If it gets the green light, the 5,000-squarefoot facility will offer 125 slot machines. A representative of Ansel Press, which has 25 employees, said the specialty printing business has six months to vacate the building and is exploring a number of options. This is the second recent purchase by the Senecas. In March 2006, the gaming corporation paid $2.1 million for 250 acres in the Town of Lewiston, where it is developing Hickory Stick Golf Club, a $20 million, championship-level public golf course. Also in today's News, "Senecas feel the state is lacking in defense of Buffalo casino." slinstedt@buffnews.com
Skretny could have ruled the Casino baseless
06/17/2007Joel Rose of CACGEC writes, "We believe Judge Skretny had the authority to decide the question he remanded back to the National Indian Gaming Commission, that is, whether the Buffalo Parcel is Indian Country (i.e. under Indian sovereignty), which it must be before it can be used for gambling.
This was in response to an article in a Buffalo newspaper which among other loosely related facts, reported that "A spokesman for the gaming commission said he could not estimate how long it would take for the agency to complete its evaluations."
To read more click here
"The odds of a judge reversing himself are not high"
April 21, 2007: A Buffalo paper reports, between a lot of fluff and dross which we have left out:QUOTE District Judge William M. Skretny refused to overturn his January decision ordering a federal commission to reconsider the tribe’s casino agreement with the state.
“For us, this is a very positive decision,” said Joseph M. Finnerty, lead attorney for a group that opposes a Buffalo casino. “We don’t believe there is any legal basis for the Senecas to acquire land in Buffalo and conducting gambling operations on it.”
Is the Buffalo casino dead? “Absolutely not,” said Philip Pantano, spokesman for Seneca Gaming Corp. “We’re certainly not surprised by this decision. The odds of a judge reversing himself are not high. Our goals for a development in Buffalo have not changed.”
Officials of the U.S. Justice Department could not be reached to comment after the decision was issued late Friday afternoon. Justice Department lawyers have been arguing the case against casino opponents.
Seneca President Maurice A. John Sr. has said he could not predict what will happen. “I only hope the state realizes the impact it’s going to have on Buffalo if a judge breaks the compact,” John said. “If the people of Buffalo don’t want our casino, don’t want the profits, don’t want the jobs, that’s unfortunate.” UNQUOTE
Well we can agree with Seneca leader Maurice "Poverty is state of mind" John this time. We also hope "the state", by which we presume John refers to Eliot Spitzer and the empty noggins in the Albany legislature, realizes the effect on Buffalo of "breaking the compact." (i.e. foregoing the Buffalo Creek casino.)
It's also true that if Buffalo doesn't want the miserly profits and the job losses arising from the casino, it will be unfortunate. Unfortunate for the leaders of the SGC specifically and for addicted politicians throughtout NY State. Inner city casinos are perfect devices for volunteer taxation catering to the false hopes and illusions of people within easy reach. Buffalonians have roundly rejected the Buffalo Creek Casino.
Oh, we forgot to mention! The compact is a piece of paper that very few have actually seen and the Buffalo Creek Casino is completely illegal and a blatant end-run by Pataki around the New York Constitution. Well done Judge Skretny for not reversing yourself.
ALL ACTIONS TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT PROPER
April 21, 2007: A Buffalo paper reports:QUOTE "Casino opponents represented by Finnerty insist that the U.S. Interior Department acted improperly when it allowed the Senecas to go forward with a 2002 casino agreement with the state. Land purchased by the Senecas in Buffalo cannot legally be called “Indian lands” and can never legally be used for gambling, the opponents maintain.
The Senecas and the federal government argue that all the actions taken by the Interior Department were proper under the law. UNQUOTE
Well, good luck trying to get the Dept. Interior to concede it made a mistake or failed to do its job properly. What actions did Interior take, specifically? The good news is that the government can appeal the ruling to the 2nd Circuit Appeals Court and, ultimately, to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Wait, wait, good news for who exactly? Some of us, at least, believe that you don't need Hollywood, DC and Disney for entertainment. The best entertainment in the world is here under our noses in Niagara.
ATLANTIC CITY AIMING HIGHER AS CASINOS SLIP
April 12, 2007: Our thanks to a friend who mailed an article from The New York Times with this headline.In a surprising development, it seems that pouring money into one-armed bandits and losing at cards systematically gets very boring after a while. The masses must be entertained and diverted if they are to be relieved of their hard-earned savings more effectively.
The NY Times article emphasizes that bigger is definitely better when it comes to luring customers. So THIS is why SGC and the City of Buffalo hired a pricy Buffalo lawyer, who must remain nameless, to present glitzy pictures of the inevitable "grand" development on Fulton St. Come on, people! We want to hit the big time! What's wrong with you small dreamers?
The Times also points out another very interesting twist, "These days, cocktail waitresses working the flashier casinos show more skin and are younger and more buxom than they used to be." Ya think? Go figure! (Sorry.)
Perhaps it was this article that inspired the clever advertisers for the Fallsview Casino to ply the west-bound 33 with a pinup at one of the WNY's accident black spots? You read it here. Please, please! Don't look up while you are driving. This pinup might be harmful for your health.
What a blunder. No doubt the well-remunerated officers and middle managers of the casinos across the river are excellent at what they do with the highest credentials, resumes, etc. but it seems that their brains are addled by greed. Or maybe they know exactly what they are doing and this advertisement reflects their opinion of their neighbors across the river, eh?
Ah, well, it's perfect grist for our mill. Who needs entertainment from Hollywood, Congress, DC or even Atlantic City when the very best show on earth is playing right here in Niagara.
KEYWORDS: slip, buxom, figure, skin, pinup, younger, flashier, bigger
Michael A. Pellegrino, headed regional funeral directors group
April 22, 1961 — April 5, 2007Michael A. Pellegrino of Getzville, president of the Erie-Niagara Funeral Directors Association, died after shooting himself Thursday morning in the Seneca Niagara Casino. He was 45.
Born in Buffalo, he was a graduate of Cardinal Dougherty High School and the Simmons School of Funeral Services. Mr. Pellegrino was the owner of Perna-Pellegrino Funeral Home in Williamsville and Buffalo. He also owned North Buffalo Monuments.
A parishioner at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, he was a longtime member, and current president, of the Erie- Niagara Funeral Directors Association. He also belonged to the New York State Funeral Directors Association.
Mr. Pellegrino is survived by his wife, the former Constance Perna; two daughters, Kristina and Brianna; his mother, Anita; and two sisters, Deborah Dewey and Lisa Sanders.
A Mass of Christian Burial was offered at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday in St. Gregory the Great Church, 200 St. Gregory Court, Williamsville.
published in the Buffalo News
SGC LOCATES "NATURAL" CASINO IN ALLEGANY
March 31, 2007: Forgive the intrusion in economic development business as usual but is that a natural mushroom we see arising in the Allegany forest south of Buffalo? Maybe a cloud of some kind?One has to wonder whether SGC spokesman Phil Pantano was quite well when he said, “We wanted to give it as much of a natural feel and connection to nature in keeping with Seneca heritage and culture as we could.”
For that matter, we question what Seneca leader Maurice John was thinking, if he was thinking at all, when he said, "Poverty is a state of mind" just like a colleague who used to counsel that success in business is a result of mind over matter. "I don't mind and you don't matter!" he used to quote.
To be clear for just one second, locating casinos in tourist resorts and remote rural destinations is at least an export strategy! Well done SGC for hiring an Asian marketing consultant after watching limosines ply the QEW between Toronto airport and the classier establishments across the Niagara river.
But let us remain on our guard: the illegal development planned in a blighted area of Buffalo is a cynical market saturation strategy borne of a sense of payback entitlement. Maybe it's the mushroom effect that determines lands to be ancestral "by virtue of the way they are acquired" or that causes the leader of the Seneca Tribal Council to state "It's an economic engine, and people will benefit from it." True up to a point but how many people will benefit and by how much will they benefit? There lies the rub.
SGC REPORT MISSTATES CONCLUSIONS ON GAMBLING
March 13, 2007: Joel Rose of CACGEC and Earl Grinols of Baylor University contest a recent study financed by the Seneca Gambling Corporation. The study concluded that gambling is economically positive for the host community but, as Rose and Grinols point out, the study conveniently excludes the costs of cleaning up social fallout. Imagine! moreREAD OR HEAR WHAT THE COMMON COUNCIL IGNORED
February 22, 2007: Our thanks go to John Hague of CACGEC for compiling notes of the Common Council hearing on October 26 about the proposed sale of Fulton Street.Here in detail are the comments the Council ignored and which Mayor Brown described to the Buffalo Control Board as an "extensive debate." Sorry yerroner but that description stretches credulity. Citizens, judge for yourselves by reading a transcript of the session or listening to the hearing (which is over three hours.)
Who needs Hollywood or Vegas or DC when the best entertainment in the world is right here in Buffalo?
YOU SAY GAMING, I SAY GAM(BL)ING
February 17, 2007: During a dry interview of Amherst Court Judge Mark Farrell by WNED's Mike Desmond, a caller notes how interchangeably Farrell uses the words gaming and gambling. Like an honest broker, Farrell immediately stands corrected noting a) that gambling is pandemic across society and b) that a great deal of money is spent on that word gambling to convince the public that gaming is harmless.To be fair, gaming, gam(bl)ing, gam(bull)ing, call it what you will, IS a bland, harmless recreation to most of society. Most of society (and all politicians) treat it like a voluntary tax or a cheap thrill. Farrell points out that 3-4% of gamblers can't control themselves, lose everything they have, embezzle their families and their employers and cause 100% of the criminal burden created by, ahem, gambling.
In a big surprise, Farrell notes that problem gamblers are prone to alcohol related offenses. Astounding!
Who else loses out from gambling? Spot on! Cities that depend on casinos for the economic fortune and get to deal with that criminal burden! If in doubt, check out Atlantic City, now of necessity expanding its entertainment offerings, or visit the renowned tourist destination of Gary, IN. Closer by you can check out Niagara Falls, USA, home of the most brilliant natural landscape in the Eastern US and surrounded by a dead city.
Frightening, isn't it? The war on terra firma right here on our doorstep, the enemy is us and all is facilitated by the advertising dollar converting gambling into a little harmless gaming. Who needs Hollywood or Vegas or DC for entertainment? This is the best show in town!
THREE EXECUTIVES LEAVE SENECA GAMING CORP
February 16, 2007: Three executives of the Seneca Gam(bl)ing Corporation (SGC) have left jobs paying $500,000 - 900,000 a year.All three left for personal reasons which had absolutely nothing to do with prospects for the Buffalo Creek casino and nothing whatsoever to do with the awful press that casinos engender wherever they are established.
The executives professed how much they liked working for Seneca Gam(bull)ing Corporation and how professional that body is at running joints that, in contrast to their competitors, pay no taxes locally and comply with no state laws.
SENECA GAMING QUARTERLY PROFITS $31.5 MILLION
February 14, 2007: A Buffalo newspaper reported that the Seneca Gaming Corporation published profits of $31.5 million for the quarter ending in Dec 2006. Revenues for the same period were $140 million up 28% over a year ago.Can Buffalo and Niagara afford such a "successful enterprise?" Obviously, we think not. It would be one thing if Niagara Falls airport was landing planeloads of visitors from China and driving them to the casino and on to the grand churches of Buffalo to say their prayers. They are not!
So who benefits? Not you, citizen, nor me nor the schools nor the needy of Western New York. Quite the opposite. Stay tuned because sadly this sordid show is not over.
RESTAURANT OWNERS OPPOSE BUFFALO CASINO
February 13, 2007: From a Buffalo newspaper, QUOTE The Western New York Chapter of the New York State Restaurant Association has gone on record in opposition to the planned Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in downtown Buffalo.In taking the anti-casino stance, the group cited the potential for negative economic impact on independent restaurant operations in the Buffalo area.
The board urges its more than 200 members in Western New York to take a stand against casino development at the Buffalo site or anywhere in the region. UNQUOTE
JUDGE SKRETNY RULES ON BUFFALO CREEK CASINO
January 12, 2007: Judge Skretny of the US District Court has ruled that the land purchased by the Senecas for the Fulton Street casino is not sovereign land. That means the Seneca Gaming Corporation cannot operate a gambling joint as planned to suck money out of the most impoverished sector of Buffalo.The Buffalo News reported this and implied that the majority of WNY residents actually want a casino here. But ask any person on the street about the Casino and they know the purpose is to draw money out of the City.
Will City Hall conduct business as usual? City counsel reacted to the news, "Judge Skretny did not make any determination as to whether gaming could be prohibited in Buffalo, and he did not stop construction of the proposed casino." Will Michael Powers continue pound the table and state clearly, unambiguously and profoundly unequivocably, "It's coming. It's coming. It's coming. Get used to it." Apparently, he was in front of the cameras the day after the ruling spouting the same line.
For now, no one may operate a casino in Buffalo, NY built expressly to suck money out of the City. So it's a happy day for all citizens for a better Buffalo but watch this space for upcoming campaigns. Sadly, the well-funded SGC lawyers will be back like irritating mosquitoes on a hot summer's night.
LAFALCE ANSWERS THREE QUESTIONS
December 24, 2006: John LaFalce has answered these three pointed questions to a Buffalo newspaper:- What precluded you from imagining the Seneca Nation Settlement Act would be used to promote casino gambling in Buffalo?
- What realistic chance do you think Citizens for a Better Buffalo has to defeat a casino?
- If successful, how would the outcome affect the casino in Niagara Falls?
To see the entire text of LaFalce's answers to these three questions, click here
NETWORK OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES PRODUCES VIDEO
December 17, 2006: The Network of Religious Communities and Knuckle City Flms have produced a 7 minute video demonstrating the negative impact of the Buffalo Creek Casino. The title of the video is "False Hopes" and you can view the film by clicking here.LAFALCE BECOMES CITIZEN FOR A BETTER BUFFALO
December 11, 2006: Happy day. In a bygone age, we like to think, politicians acted in the public service. They had careers outside politics! Congressman LaFalce, the author of the Federal agreement being abused to create Casinos in Western New York, has joined Citizens for a Better Buffalo.More info in the press release listed to your left and an article in the rag here.
BAIRD FOUNDATION MAKES GRANT TO CBB
December 11, 2006: "The Baird Foundation today announces a grant to "Citizens for a Better Buffalo". The grant is awarded as both financial and philosophical support for CBB efforts to lead a legal challenge to stop the development of a casino complex in downtown Buffalo.A casino in downtown Buffalo is a dead end strategy for economic development. Casinos do not represent the "new economy" for Buffalo - gambling is one of the oldest games on earth. The odds are well known. The winner is known before the first card is dealt. Dozens of other communities have already gambled their future, placing their bet for revitalization on a casino. Expecting to flourish, these struggling communities now realize the pain behind the glittering promise. The roll of the dice has hastened their economic distress and social suffering. The cost to play has been very dear.
The Baird Foundation does not believe that Buffalo is so desperate that a casino would be the highest and best strategy to encourage development in our city."
More info in the press statement listed to your left.
HOW DARE CATHOLICS OPPOSE THE CASINO?
December 3, 2006: Words in the ether arrived at the Diocese of Buffalo and answered this vital question. Here is a clip from the bulletin of December 3 at St Joseph's Cathedral downtown. All conflicted Catholics may now look in the mirror and exercise their tongues as befits upright, civil members of a country that purports to value freedom of speech.I know! How about helping our new Governor of New York to rein in State spending? Since he didn't invent the sordid compact with the Senecas he can silently obstruct the deal and leave the casino money with the people of Buffalo? Come to think of it, no reason to be silent about such a course of action. It's a sure fire election winner!
Don't governments just love gambling because it helps them build revenues without requiring them to restrain spending?
HOW DID MAYOR BUPKISS CONTROL BORED BUSINESSMEN?
November 11, 2006: In a development more entertaining than Alice in Wonderland, Mayor Bupkiss has characterized a 50/3 Common Council hearing against the Buffalo Creek Casino as an "extensive debate and review."What Mayor Bupkiss did not say was, "Well I wasn't there myself but what I heard from the politicians who were present and not listening was that the overwhelming weight of opinion against the casino was expressed by people who are not nearby pub owners."
Mayor Bupkiss further failed to explain "You have to understand that I can control bored businessmen anytime I want. I flatter them all in advance, set an extremely busy agenda and then point out that there are no contentious issues to debate. Businessmen hate contentious issues because they involve work which, generally, bored businessmen hire other people to do for them."
"Really, controlling bored businessmen is easier than taking quarters off the suckers at the slot machines." For a prime example of how weasel words can control bored businessmen, click here
FUTURE BUFFALO VISIBLE IN ARKANSAS PAST
November 10, 2006: Our heartfelt thanks to a concerned citizen who mailed us this letter posted in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette of Saturday, October 7, 2006.Before we lose our focus on the tricky moral arguments around gambling let us remember that casinos were invented in Nevada by gangsters for the express purpose of laundering money.
Just because every government in the Union is into gambling does not make it a smart or justifiable decision for a local community. So THAT'S why the community was not consulted on this one!
BUFFALO COMMON COUNCIL UNDERWHELMED BY PUBLIC OPINION
October 31, 2006: In an astounding trick or treat development, the Buffalo Common Council voted 6/3 to sell Fulton Street at a bargain price (for the buyer) and they completely ignored an opposition of 50/3 to the Buffalo Creek Casino. Previously this opposition had been described by a Buffalo newspaper as "overwhelming."The same newspaper also reported that lawmakers decided to conduct the narrow environmental review that suited the Mayor's purpose best and, again, ignored the interests of constituents.
Late in the proceedings, Council Majority Leader Dominic Bonifacio tried to postpone the vote, then promptly voted to sell Fulton Street.
Council President David Franczyk "struggled" with various issues related to the Casino. He had noted that the Council had voted with its conscience but what he did not say was, "I struggled with this worthless economic development when I flatly ignored a 50/3 public opinion and just acted like I was doing the bidding of my boss the Mayor." One of the "issues" that the conscience of Francyk had to contend with was that separately Fulton Street was valued by a respected appraisal company at three times the price the Seneca Gaming Corporation bid for the street.
What to do with such stunningly ineffective and spineless leadership? Why, vote these members out of office come election day, of course! Fortunately, the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority exists to oversee and prevent the City from its bad economic decisions.
CASINO OPPOSITION "OVERWHELMING"
October 27, 2006: In an astounding development, a Buffalo newspaper today attempted factual accuracy when it described a 50/3 opposition to the Buffalo Creek Casino as "overwhelming."The article began, "The proposed sale of a two-block section of Fulton Street for a downtown casino was overwhelmingly opposed Thursday by speakers at a public hearing in Buffalo City Hall." The article then went on to contradict the first paragraph as it presented an equal discussion for and against the sordid casino.
The fact was that 50 of 53 speakers at the Common Council hearing who decried the sale of Fulton Street to the Seneca Gaming Corporation were citizens. The 3 speakers in support of the sale were either paid lawyers or union professionals.
It was noted during the hearing that the Buffalo Creek Casino is a shameless construct by the governor of New York and nearby tribes to suck money out of the City of Good Neighbors. One citizen commented that if Common Council members could not reject projects that funneled money out of town they should not expect to keep their jobs. 95% of local citizens and business owners see this deal for the money-grubbing operation that it is but the Buffalo newspaper made no attempt to recognize this.
A fictitious newspaper editor commented, "Fortunately, we managed to preserve our reputation in spite of this attempt at realistic reporting. The paragraph in question was low down on the regional page hidden underneath one of our typically bland headlines, 'Critics speak out on Fulton Street sale.' Any pretence at factual accuracy was corrected when the article continued at the top of the following page under a headline, 'Engineers cite jobs in Casino.' Asked why they don't bother to get the story straight, the editor noted, "We have deadlines! We simply can't wait around until the end of a hearing in order to get the exact picture. None of our competitors in the radio or TV even suggested that the hearing was one sided so we think we are doing a pretty good job by presenting bland pre-written articles under misleading headlines."
Does anybody wonder why newspaper sales are declining and politicians evade their duty to their constituents so easily?
FULTON STREET ASSESSED AT $1.8MM
October 26, 2006: In an astounding development, Citizens for a Better Buffalo today presented a completely objective and totally unbiased appraisal valuing Fulton Street at three times the price that the City has agreed with the SGC. Copies of the appraisal were given to the Buffalo Common Council members at the hearing on Thursday evening. One citizen at the hearing commented that every sale has it's price and that the City should ask for about $69,000,000 for Fulton Street in order to cover the expenses arising over the long term from the awful and secret Buffalo Creek Casino deal.ANALYSIS SHOWS MAYOR DID NOTHING
October 24, 2006: Observations on the Buffalo/Seneca Agreement made by the Citizens for a better Buffalo show how little the mayor has accomplished for the City.The analysis is somewhat more formal than Professor Jackson's recent article in Artvoice under the header "Bupkiss" but it comes to a similar conclusion. It explains how little the Mayor has done since making a show of getting the best deal possible for the City of Buffalo. The agreement that the City is proposing is full of pointless and meaningless statements that actually have no binding effect whatsoever.
Dear citizens for a better Buffalo, don't say "Why didn't anybody tell me?" To download the PDF and distribute, click here. Or read the document online here.
BILLIONAIRE MAKES PLANS
October 6, 2006: A Buffalo newspaper reported "Billionaire businessman B. Thomas Golisano plans to spend more than a million dollars on an anti-casino marketing blitz, an announcement that kicked off a two-day forum against legalized gambling. Conference participants applauded when Golisano also announced that his hockey team - the Buffalo Sabres - will not sign any new contracts with the New York State Lottery for advertising during games in HSBC Arena."As a citizen once said, "You know what thought did?" Shall we hold our breath before seeing this more than a million dollars in print ads and on the radio and TV? Did we miss something? Somebody, please, send us a link to this anti-casino marketing blitz when they see it.
More...
WHAT DO THE PEOPLE SAY?
Casino only will promote tragic, destructive vices Updated: 07/20/07 7:02 AM Contrary to Barry Snyder’s concept of the casino as possibly being the “silver bullet” as a boom to the economy, (July 6 Another Voice), I see the opening of the casino as the “silver bullet” providing the impetus to continue the cycle of abuse and violence often associated with pathological gambling. The recent News article on the tragic suicide of a gambler at the casino, as it relates to compulsive gambling, was most informative. There are many anti-social behaviors associated with being a compulsive gambler such as crime, deception, embezzlement, domestic violence, abuse and bankruptcy. Gamblers lie about their whereabouts, deceive others and often can’t hold down a job. The constant obsession with making a bet, meeting with undesirable characters and trying to determine how to finance this immoral habit puts family life in constant turmoil. This often results in a lifetime of ill effects and damage to those closest to the gambler — his or her children and spouse. Due to poor parental role modeling, the children, who often identify with and align themselves to that parent, often become gamblers and abusers as adults, a tragedy for all. Catherine Amico Orchard Park Who reaped benefits of fight against casino? Updated: 07/16/07 6:57 AM * SAVE * EMAIL * PRINT * POPULAR * + Larger Font * + Smaller Font In January 2006, The News published an article reporting that the Wendt Foundation had decided to be “proactive” and pay what would amount to more than a million dollars in lawyer fees to fight casino gambling in Buffalo. Call me cynical, but I can’t help but question the motives behind the decision to provide direct funding to the anti-casino initiative. Now that the casino is open, I ask: Who benefited from those million dollars? Anyone addicted to gambling? How many new jobs were created? Is Citizens for a Better Buffalo concerned for the people of Buffalo, or is it really concerned for the businessmen of Buffalo? Casino opponents’ use of hearsay and innuendo is misleading. Their assertion that service and entertainment-sector jobs created by the casino are inferior is false. There’s no difference between the tourism-related jobs they would create and jobs created by the casino. The difference is whose pockets the profits would fill. To say that the Wendt Foundation is not sincere in its stated goals would be ludicrous. Buffalo, its institutions and community have benefited greatly from its generosity. I just question its decision, which clearly didn’t benefit anyone who needed it. Ken Kuzara CheektowagaSkretny could have ruled the Casino baseless
06/17/2007Joel Rose of CACGEC writes, "We believe Judge Skretny had the authority to decide the question he remanded back to the National Indian Gaming Commission, that is, whether the Buffalo Parcel is Indian Country (i.e. under Indian sovereignty), which it must be before it can be used for gambling. We have therefore asked the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to take the decision back from the N.I.G.C. and place it back in the capable hands of Judge Skretny (or to decide the case itself).
Furthermore, we believe Judge Skretny could have ruled on the question of whether the Buffalo Parcel meets the test required by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which stipulates that land acquired by the Nation after 1988 cannot be used for gambling unless it was taken into trust as part of the settlement of a land claim.
The land in question was acquired pursuant to the Seneca Salamanca Settlement Act, and put under restricted fee status, not taken into trust. Moreover, the Seneca Salamanca Settlement Act was intended not to settle a land claim, but to compensate the Seneca Nation for an historically unfavorable lease. The Act is simply not a land-claims settlement statute.
So, the Seneca do not have sovereignty over the land and, in any event, the conditions of I.G.R.A. have not been met, and on either of these bases gambling should be precluded on the Buffalo Parcel. In his January decision, Judge Skretny chose not to decide these questions at all because he concluded he did not have jurisdiction to address them until after the N.I.G.C. addressed them. We think this was error; the Secretary of the Interior Department did address the land issue, and we think Judge Skretny could have reached the issue through her actions on the gambling compact. In the interests of reaching a just outcome within our lifetimes, we are asking the Court of Appeals to put the land status (Salamanca Settlement Act) and I.G.R.A. questions back before Judge Skretny."
Joel Rose attached a clip from a Buffalo newspaper headed:
"Cobblestone casino ready to open but the fight is far from over."
that said, among other useless and cluttering statements:
Construction of a gambling casino in Buffalo’s Cobblestone District is essentially finished. But the legal battle over its opening is far from completed.
Consistently disinformative, the news says the Casino is "essentially finished" just before it explains that the building lacks two essentials, slot machines and legal basis....
The federal commission must decide and show how the land bought by the Senecas near the HSBC hockey arena is “Indian land” before a casino can be legally opened there, Skretny ruled. Since then, the commission has been re-evaluating the Senecas’ Buffalo casino application.
and then the bottom line, finally.... the kicker:
A spokesman for the gaming commission said he could not estimate how long it would take for the agency to complete its evaluations.
So unless Judge Skretny moves ahead with this to close the affair, we may all die before the mass debate over the "Buffalo Creek," "Cobblestone," "Seneca Gaming Corporation" casino is resolved.
Casino opponents have nothing better to offer
04/16/2007I’m a resident of Buffalo and support the Seneca Nation for attempting to bring life and employment to a section of the city that has long been neglected by the same people who are trying to stop the Senecas.
Casino opponents have repeatedly claimed the Senecas are not offering a good deal. County Executive Joel Giambra has led Erie County to a steep financial decline. John LaFalce was in Congress during an out-of-control tailspin in Niagara County that resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs, and yet he has the audacity to attempt to stop the Seneca Nation in the creation of 1,000-plus jobs. Citizens for a Better Buffalo has accomplished nothing for the city.
These same people are unwilling to replace the investment and commitment the Seneca Nation has made. Companies looking to relocate to Buffalo see this and count us out because they do not want the legal hassles. Young people leave because they see no future. Some good deal.
Jean M. Dunbar, Buffalo
Racy casino billboard should be taken down
04/11/2007I thought I’d seen it all until this morning, when I almost went off the road as I approached the Scajaquada exit from the westbound Kensington Expressway. A billboard for the Fallsview Casino shows a woman in such a hurry to gamble that she forgot to make sure her dress was hanging correctly and not showing off her assets — no pun intended.
First of all, I did not like trying to explain that ad to my 8- and 9-year-old children who were with me. And secondly, one of the two lanes on that exit is closed due to construction. With that billboard, which is shocking enough to make people take a second look to verify what is actually being shown, an accident is bound to happen. Please take it down — it is an insult to this community.
Cynthia Marinides, East Amherst
Nichol students see mostly negative effects of a downtown casino
3/14/2007The building of the Buffalo Creek Casino in downtown Buffalo has been a topic of controversy for quite awhile now. The proposed casino would be built near HSBC Arena in the Cobblestone District. Though the Seneca Nation has insisted that the new casino will only help Buffalo by bringing tourists into the decaying heart of the Queen City, many citizen groups have raised moral and financial issues.
As the rising generation, we are the ones who will have to sort out the issues caused by any Buffalo Creek Casino, so why has no one asked us our opinions? At Nichols School, Mary Rech Rockwell’s “Urban Studies” class explores the City of Buffalo. Students are asked how it could be improved and how it could be renovated using the basic principles of beneficial urban planning. The following is an interview with this pool of educated students.
Are you for or against the building of a Seneca Nation casino in downtown Buffalo? Why or why not?
Mark Abell: [It would] bring more crime into the city because potential for greater prostitution, greater things like drugs –
Phil Wagner: I don’t support the casino because I think that the fact that people go there spending money – gambling is an addiction that is really prominent in today’s culture and bringing it closer to the City of Buffalo is just going to bring the potential for people to be gambling away money that they should be spending in the community and on their families.
Ryan McQueeney: [I support the casino because] it will bring more people into the city – gamblers. You know, they’ll stay at the hotel and spend money downtown.
Mary Rech Rockwell: Economic activity!
How do you think the casino will affect Buffalo’s economy?
Grace Brown: Well, I think that it will have a poor effect on the economy because people will be spending their money on gambling; I don’t think it will bring in tourists, I think it will be people in Buffalo – the money’s not going to Buffalo and it’s going to the Indian Reservation, not that that’s a bad thing, but they’re not paying taxes. The money should be going to the tax-paying people of Buffalo.
Phil Wagner: I think the fact of the matter is that since the money is going to the Seneca Indians – I mean, we’ve seen pictures on the news and everything when the Seneca Indians get the money from the casino, they don’t distribute it evenly within the community. I mean, we see these Native Americans living in these horrible shacklike homes, while the elite that run the casino rise to the top and live in these huge mansions and rake in all the money.
How do you think the casino will affect the downtown area, or Buffalo as a whole?
Dan Swift: I don’t think we need the casino. In Las Vegas they have this huge fake culture made of flashing lights, but that’s great for Las Vegas because it’s in the middle of the desert and there’s nothing out there. But Buffalo has culture already; look at Allentown and Elmwood. We don’t need a casino to bring culture to the community. To spoil our city’s culture with fake landmarks and gambling would be such a shame. It would ruin Buffalo.
Emily Accetta: Casinos are designed so that the gamblers are discouraged from leaving the casino. People won’t eat in the restaurants downtown because the casino will serve food; people won’t be encouraged to explore the city because casinos don’t have windows.
- published in the Buffalo News
Laudatory report misstates conclusions on gambling
3/13/2007The Another Voice column that appeared in the Feb. 28 Buffalo News by Jonathan Taylor, hired by the Seneca Gaming Corp. to produce an economic report, misleads.
Taylor claims that studies commissioned by the National Gambling Impact Study Commission “concluded that economic benefits greatly exceed costs.” In support of this claim, Taylor cites a study by Adam Rose.
However, Rose says in his executive summary: “This assessment does not factor in social costs of gambling, which are beyond the scope of this study . . .” (Adam Rose and Associates, “The Regional Economic Impacts of Casino Gambling,” prepared for the study commission, Nov. 5, 1998.)
Taylor also cites a study by the National Opinion Research Council, a commercial group associated with the University of Chicago, and says that “the study found no discernible change in three measures of bankruptcy, seven measures of crime or in infant mortality” and that “casino proximity correlated with economic health.”
In fact, the council found, in its own words, “The availability of a casino within 50 miles (versus 50 to 250 miles) is associated with about double the prevalence of problem and pathological gamblers” and that “pathological and problem gamblers are more likely than other gamblers or nongamblers to have been on welfare, declared bankruptcy, and to have been arrested or incarcerated.” (Dean Gerstein, et al, “Gambling Impact and Behavior Study,” report to the commission, April 1, 1999).
Indeed, the commission itself was unwilling to conclude that the benefits of gambling exceeded its costs. Instead, it concluded: “We have recommended a pause in the expansion of gambling in order to allow time for an assessment of the costs and benefits . . .”
Since then, research has been completed in various locations, including other countries. A summary of this work in “Gambling In America: Costs and Benefits” (by one of the authors of this piece, Earl L. Grinols, Cambridge University Press, 2004) concludes that the reverse is true: Social costs typically exceed benefits, 3-to-1.
Finally, Taylor claimed that polls have “consistently” shown a majority of Erie County residents favor a downtown casino. This, too, is untrue. The results of the two media-sponsored polls are contradictory. The poll commissioned by the Seneca Gaming Corp. shows a majority in favor, but that was a transparent “push-poll.”
The only time the residents have had a good opportunity to express themselves — at October’s Common Council hearing on the proposed sale of Fulton Street — 53 speakers spoke against the casino and the sale, and only five in favor. If nothing else, that is an indication of intensity of feeling on the subject.
Earl L. Grinols is distinguished professor of economics at Baylor University and author of “Gambling In America: Costs and Benefits.” Joel S. Rose is co-chairman of Citizens Against Casino Gambling in Erie County.
- published in the Buffalo News
Seneca files subpoenaed in casino revenue probe
3/9/2007The federal agency that oversees regulation of Native American casinos confirmed Thursday that it had issued a subpoena demanding that the Seneca Nation of Indians turn over records in an ongoing investigation about gambling revenues.
Sources said federal investigators came here two weeks ago and asked about the $6,000 payout each Seneca received this year from the nation’s casinos in Niagara Falls and Salamanca.
The Buffalo News disclosed in July that the Senecas are avoiding millions of dollars in federal taxes on those payouts and have not filed a plan for distributing gambling revenues as required by federal law.
Joseph M. Valandra, chief of staff for the National Indian Gaming Commission in Washington, D.C., said the Senecas had refused requests for documents related to money turned over to the Senecas by the two casinos.
“I would say they are not being very cooperative, and as of yesterday, the commission issued a subpoena to get the documents we need to complete our investigation, or at least to further our investigation,” said Valandra, who would not say exactly what records his agency is seeking,
The subpoena is not related to the recent ruling by U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny directing Valandra’s agency to explain why it allowed the Senecas to proceed with a Buffalo casino on land opponents say is not sovereign territory.
The Senecas maintain that the annual payments to members are not dividends, but annuities tied to the 1990 Seneca Settlement Act. They also maintain the payouts are not subject to federal taxes or the control of the National Indian Gaming Commission. Each Seneca member received a payment of $4,500 last year and $6,000 this year, according to the Senecas.
“These annuities are derived from the Nation’s Seneca Settlement Act funds,” Robert Odawi Power, the Senecas’ attorney, told members in the Seneca newsletter.
The News has disclosed that Seneca Gaming paid $16 million for land for the three casinos, and then sold those parcels to the Senecas, who made the purchases with a small portion of the tax-free settlement funds — $14 in Niagara Falls, $10 in Salamanca and $4 in Buffalo.
Seneca Gaming then pays the Senecas $31.2 million in rent for the casino properties, according to documents.
Valandra declined to confirm that is what his agency is investigating.
“At this point, the investigation is generally about the use of revenues, and that’s as much as I can say,” he said.
The national gaming commission requires each tribe to file a plan for distributing revenues to tribal members, and those payouts are taxable.
If the Senecas do not comply with the subpoena, Valandra said, lawyers from his agency will be in U.S. District Court in Buffalo next week seeking an order to turn over the records.
Philip J. Pantano, a spokesman for the Seneca Gaming Corp., which runs the Senecas’ gambling operations, said his company had not been subpoenaed.
“This is a government to government request, the federal government dealing with the sovereign government of the Seneca Nation,” he said. “Seneca Gaming Corp. is reviewing any gaming related information involved in that request.”
A spokesman for the Seneca Nation did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
The subpoena stems from a visit here last month by the regional director of the National Indian Gaming Commission, a staff attorney and two investigators.
The group met with Seneca officials in the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel and the Seneca Allegany Casino. It also met with two Seneca dissident groups.
The National Indian Gaming Commission’s mission, according to its Web site, “is to regulate gaming activities on Indian lands for the purpose of shielding Indian tribes from organized crime and other corrupting influences; to ensure that Indian tribes are the primary beneficiaries of gaming revenue; and to assure that gaming is conducted fairly and honestly by both operators and players.”
The commission has the authority to conduct investigations, issue violations, assess fines and even close casinos.
- published in the Buffalo News
Spitzer sets up new casino
2/19/2007Oddly, the approval was made on the same day the Buffalo News ran a wire story on the decline in revenues facing the Atlantic City casinos, due in part to new slot facilities in Pennsylvania.
The Catskills facility just further waters down the market. It might however soften the blow to tribal businesses if the Governor makes good on his promise to stop the sale of tax free cigarettes to non-tribal members.
It seems to me that casinos, like Bass Pro stores, have lost their uniqueness and can no longer be seen as economic panaceas, or even good economic development. Gaming facilities will soon become as common as say, McDonald’s, or Catholic Churches.
No, come to think of it, Catholic Churches are closing. Do you suppose the increase in slots and the decrease in in bingo halls had a cause and effect relationship on the dwindling number of parishes? I think as a society we were better off with the bingo halls.
www.buffaloi.com
published at www.buffaloi.com
Urban casinos are not great development
2/17/2007Two recent letter writers extolled the Senecas as good development folk. One even wants them reimbursed for their expenditures if a casino isn't found to be legal. I truly wish these writers and the supposed 90 percent of Old First Ward neighbors would read, learn and understand that the Seneca Gaming Corp. wants to help only itself and its bottom line. If it weren't for simple greed, this corporation would develop something else profitable on the land it bought.
The city revenue from Buffalo Creek may equal half of what is earned in parking tickets - the city has not done its math! The casino will remove $100 million from the local economy yearly after the initial investment year. The 1,000 jobs will cause many more to be lost due to unfair, tax-free competition with local businesses. Many thousands of local people will lose hard-earned money they can't afford to lose, harming themselves, their families and children. Crime will grow, and the city will suffer.
We're not talking about good neighbors or good developers. Please go to nocasinoerie.org for accurate references, and see the curse that Seneca Niagara and other urban casinos have turned out to be. They are not great development.
Robert J. Schulman, M.D., Buffalo
Working with Snyder has been a pleasure
2/14/2007After reading the Feb. 7 News article regarding our resignations from Seneca Gaming Corp., we have to say that the information was inaccurate at best.
Throughout our four years at Seneca Gaming Corp., Barry Snyder has been nothing but professional and a gentleman. The personal and professional decision that we have made had absolutely nothing to do with Snyder and is not the result of any heated meeting.
During a situation that would be difficult for any organization, Snyder was a calming influence and a leader. He acted like a chairman of a major gaming corporation should.
We have worked closely with Snyder on several important, impressive and significant developments, and have the greatest amount of professional and personal respect for him. While we may not always have agreed, our relationship was built on mutual respect and professionalism.
The fact that some individuals who clearly are not in tune with the operation of this successful company would try to disparage his reputation or create political issues that do not exist is unfortunate. Snyder is a true professional, a respected colleague and a valued friend.
John Pasqualoni, Joe D'Amato, Niagara Falls
Why don't casino foes offer any alternatives?
2/10/2007As a resident of Buffalo's Old First Ward, I fully support, as do approximately 90 percent of my neighbors, the Senecas in their plans for the Buffalo Creek Casino.
I find it inconceivable that opponents of the casino are not providing alternative plans to replace what they are attempting to stop. The Wendt Foundation and Tom Golisano have the financial resources to spend $125 million to develop the site and provide the same 1,000-plus jobs the casino promises, not to mention provide the city with the tax revenue it desperately needs. We can't count on County Executive Joel Giambra or John LaFalce because their pathetic record for development speaks for itself.
The Senecas have played by the rules and have spent millions of dollars in acquisition, demolition and development costs, and I'm thankful to have gotten rid of an eyesore. I would hope if the judge rules in the opponents' favor, these same people taking the high road to morality are held responsible for developing the site or, at the very least, reimbursing the Seneca Nation for the millions it has invested. The city should be reimbursed for revenue lost as well.
Michael W. Fijal, Buffalo
Brown finally shows true colors on casino
1/26/2007Mayor Byron Brown knows that casinos are losers for communities. Casino opponents have shown him incontrovertible evidence that casinos create a net loss of jobs and are an economic disaster for the cities that host them. And he has only to look down the road to Niagara Falls to see what a casino has done to that city.
Why has he ignored this information? Why has he hired, at great expense to the city, a high-powered attorney to provide legal advocacy for the casino? Is it because he is being advised by Peter Cutler, who came to the Brown administration straight from a stint as a lobbyist for the Seneca Nation of Indians? Is it because he covets the huge campaign contributions that gambling interests provide to "friendly" politicians?
Until Jan. 12, when a federal court gave anti-casino interests an important victory, Brown pretended to be merely trying to "get the best deal" for the city. Now he is showing his true colors, spinning the decision as a minor setback for a project he clearly advocates. At least now the citizens of Buffalo know where he stands.
Mary Bartley, Buffalo
Brown deserves an 'F' for first year in office
1/12/2007I find it absurd that Byron Brown gave himself an "A" for his performance in his first year as mayor of Buffalo. Hizzoner has barricaded himself behind heavy security in City Hall in order to avoid meeting with the very people he purports to lead and who he says he wants to help. Politicians are supposed to be open and accessible to the common folk, not just to the news reporters. Yet he loses no opportunity to appear before the cameras.
The "shovel-ready" building sites he takes credit for were in the works long before he came on the scene. It's the real estate market, stupid!
He has done nothing to get the Buffalo Police and Fire departments the long-overdue raises that the city agreed to in the last contract negotiations.
He and his crony, Buffalo Police Commissioner H. McCarthy Gipson, have done nothing to curb the rampant crime in the city. Lots of talk and promises, but little action.
To add insult to incompetence, Brown continues to support the building of the Seneca casino, practically handing Fulton Street to the Indians on a silver platter. Read our lips, mayor: no casino!
For these reasons and many more, Brown deserves nothing but a big, fat "F."
Peter J. Karlinski, Cheektowaga
Football pools are illegal yet casino gambling is OK
1/12/2007Thanks to former Gov. George Pataki and his compact with the Seneca Nation of Indians, we are now a government with double standards. It is ironic that a person owning a bar cannot operate a football pool in public view on his premises. Apparently we bar patrons are too weak to resist. Whatever the reason behind this archaic law, I do not understand it. At the same time, we can cross the street to a Seneca gambling casino and lose our life savings in one visit. Where is the justice in all of this?
Douglas Hall, Wilson
Q&A: John J. LaFalce on Buffalo casino
12/24/2006Retired Rep. John J. LaFalce recently took a leadership role with Citizens for a Better Buffalo, an anti-casino group. LaFalce, who along with fellow Rep. Amo Houghton authored the Seneca Nation Settlement Act, has criticized the federal government for using the law to grant a casino in Buffalo. He discussed his decision.
Q: What precluded you from imagining the Seneca Nation Settlement Act would be used to promote casino gambling in Buffalo?
A: The only two authors of the 1990 Seneca Nation Settlement Act were Amo Houghton and myself. We agree: Gambling in Niagara Falls or Buffalo was absolutely never intended, and a pre-existing law, the IGRA [Indian Gaming Regulatory Act] prohibited it, except under the most narrow of circumstances, none of which applies here. To make an analogy, we have been enjoined to "Love Thy Neighbor." Some might imagine that as a clear call to commit adultery. But there's another command: "Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery." Laws must be read as intended and in context.
Q: What realistic chance do you think Citizens for a Better Buffalo has to defeat a casino?
A: The anti-casino forces certainly should win their federal lawsuit. I'd be amazed if they did not. In the Seneca Nation Settlement Act, Amo and I intended only to give fair compensation for unfair leases on the Allegany reservation, not to create Indian country and permit Indian gambling over 60 miles from the City of Salamanca in the heart of the City of Buffalo. We would have opposed that strongly.
Further, the exceptions of the IGRA, which would permit Indian gambling on land acquired after 1988, simply do not apply. The Buffalo property is not "within or contiguous to the boundaries of" a Seneca Nation reservation; it's not land "taken into trust;" it wasn't acquired as "part of a settlement of a land claim," but over 15 years after the settlement of a lease dispute; it's not sovereign Indian land; it is, however, owned by the Senecas in "restricted fee," but they simply cannot legally conduct casino gambling there.
Most importantly, the secretary of the interior never made a decision on the legality of Seneca Nation gambling in Buffalo. By not deciding within 45 days of the application, the issue was deemed approved. Under those circumstances, I believe the courts owe the nondecision result little to no deference; since there was no explicit approval, it is as if the court has to make a de novo interpretation and decision.
Q: If successful, how would the outcome affect the casino in Niagara Falls?
A: The lawsuit involves only the City of Buffalo, not Niagara Falls, so it would have no immediate or automatic impact. Further, I am not aware of anyone who plans to mount a legal challenge against the Senecas' Niagara Falls casino, or who has the financial wherewithal to do so.
If, however, a case should somehow be brought against the Niagara Falls casino, there are a wide range of possibilities, from total cessation of gambling and taxation of other sales, to a legislative fix during the pendency of any potential lawsuit, to an application from the Senecas to continue Indian gambling by applying to the Department of the Interior to have the land taken into trust and also by complying with other requirements of the IGRA. That's what is happening at Turning Stone.
Allowing Seneca Casino is the least we can do
12/24/2006It's in most of the history books - they came from Europe, often fleeing religious persecution, and established settlements, and then more and more settlements, and pushed the local populace farther and farther inland.
And when they tried to fight back, they were intimidated and killed with far superior weaponry; they were pushed into smaller and smaller enclaves, and most of their land was taken away. With little outside support, what could they do? This massive injustice is part of history.
Thus, when the Senecas establish casinos in Niagara Falls and Buffalo, and the Mohawks plan one for the Catskills, we should rejoice at their success. True, they cannot reclaim their land, but they can, in a way, reclaim some of the vast wealth which that land has provided to the settlers' descendants. That, in a way, is a modicum of justice.
Daniel Reiff, Kenmore
Give casino a chance to turn things around
12/24/2006I am writing in response to the letter regarding the economic ruin that a Buffalo gambling casino would bring. If the main concern of Robert Heffern and the Citizens Against Casino Gambling in Erie County is economic ruin, they should get their heads out of the sand and look around. This area has been in a state of ruin for some time now, with zero growth potential. I can't see how it could get worse.
To add fuel to the fire, they've enlisted former congressman John LaFalce as an ally. LaFalce and a plethora of other longtime service federal, state and county elected officials have done virtually nothing to enhance the economic climate of Western New York.
Perhaps the group could better serve the community by striving for tax reform on all levels to hopefully make this area once again economically competitive.
Richard C. Riederer, Buffalo
Failure to sell out games may be linked to casinos
12/23/2006There has been much uproar over the recent Bills blackouts. Local talk radio has discussed various reasons for this occurrence - the arrogance of the NFL and its policies, failure of the Bills to market properly or the local economy.
I can't help but think that having three casinos and two slot machine venues within a 70-mile radius of Buffalo is contributing to the situation. I applaud people like Tom Golisano and groups like Citizens for a Better Buffalo in their efforts to halt a downtown casino. Hopefully they will succeed where our elected officials have failed.
David Kazmierczak, Blasdell
Shame on us for allowing casino to open downtown
11/26/2006Gov.-elect Eliot L. Spitzer recently said "shame on us if we can't get it done," when referring to Buffalo's waterfront and Peace Bridge. I agree we have had enough shame. Shame on us for allowing a gambling casino within walking distance of our poorest citizens. We will be shamed for allowing Buffalo's hardworking owners of restaurants, hotels, shops and other entertainments to prematurely close because of unfair competition from a casino. And shame on us for allowing many acres of land to be removed from the City of Buffalo, County of Erie and State of New York without a referendum from the voters.
Elaine M Reinhardt, Buffalo
Residents must never forget who's to blame for casino
11/14/2006In the not-too-distant future, Buffalonians are going to wake up and wonder who sold them down the river in 2006. In other past debacles, such as the University at Buffalo North Campus and Main Street Metro Rail, the identities of the movers and shakers behind these disasters have faded from memory.
So I suggest placing a commemorative plaque on the Seneca casino, engraved with the names of the elected officials responsible for the Fulton Street folly: Byron Brown, Dominic Bonifacio, Antoine Thompson, Richard Fontana, Bonnie Russell, David Franczyk and Brian Davis.
Lorna Lippes, Buffalo
- published in the Buffalo News
City officials ignore facts about casino gambling
10/28/2006Two days after the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling Regional Conference occurred here, I saw Seneca Nation President Barry Snyder, Mayor Byron Brown and Seneca Gaming Corp. officials on public access TV replaying the Fulton Street sale approval announcement and predicting "development, waterfront connectedness, millions of tourists" and other such misleading sound bites.
This offensive and private press staging did not present any opposing views or facts. No public input was offered or allowed. There was no citizen representation. This came as a result of surreptitious, behind-closed-door sham "negotiations" over the last two months that overlooked fact, economic research and obvious outcome in other communities.
By contrast, the educational, open NCALG conference provided solid economic analysis by experts and research founded on realities. It has been clearly shown that urban casinos cause harm far in excess of any help to the city. Again, look at Detroit, Niagara Falls, New York, Louisiana, Turning Stone or the big casinos in Connecticut - all true losers for these communities.
Please understand that there is real human tragedy for individuals and families being created in these "entertainment" palaces. Adult gamblers are modeling the risk of future misery for their children. Buffalo Creek (which will hopefully never open) in legal documents wrote its stated intention is to bring in the local population, but now claims "in writing" that it cares about promoting itself to the region.
The Senecas and Brown have no data, no facts and no proof to support the future benefit to Buffalo. The first year's $125 million will go to the building trades - Brown's allies - and yearly thereafter $150 million or more will leave the economy and bring in a zero-development Niagara-Falls type scene, good only for the Senecas and gambling industry supporters.
For every dollar generated, $3 will be lost and $12 million to $16 million in taxes will belong to the sovereign nation, not the city. Five million dollars for the city from the slot cut is 50 percent less than revenue from parking enforcement as projected in the 2006-07 budget.
Is anyone in City Hall doing the math or checking the facts? Not one city official came to the gambling conference. The National Gambling Impact Study Commission stated that as the money is lost faster, the socioeconomic negatives increase dramatically. Its final report confirmed that the gambling industry had created new addicted gamblers, new bankruptcies and new crime and corruption. The 1999 U.S. Gambling Commission unanimously called for a moratorium on the expansion of U.S. gambling. Sadly, however, it has grown into a monster.
Anyone with sense can see the harm coming to Buffalo. Jobs will be lost, restaurants closed, families devastated, bankruptcies and crime increased. The casino is a strategy for injustice, not economic development.
Robert J. Schulman, M.D., lives in Buffalo.
published in the Buffalo News
CBB Observations
on the Agreement between the SNI
and the City of Buffalo
10/24/2006The following constitutes initial observations on the proposed agreement (submitted to the Buffalo Common Council by Mayor Brown under letter dated October 12, 2006) between the Seneca Nation and two of its corporations and the City of Buffalo. If executed and used as the basis to transfer Fulton Street or to facilitate development of a casino, this agreement has the potential to lead to the irretrievable abandonment of all land use controls by local City and County government, now and for all future generations, over the property, if Seneca claims regarding the effects of their ownership of the land turn out to be correct.
The key provisions the City cites as negotiated terms benefiting the City are completely illusory; enforcement of them in the practical sense would be very problematic and perhaps ultimately unsatisfactory. They are stated to be mere "intentions" creating "no legal obligations of each to the other." The Seneca maintain their claims of "sovereign immunity" and this could leave the City with little recourse over most issues or a procedural morass that could delay and frustrate enforcement. There is an arbitration provision but its applicability is extremely limited.
This agreement has no teeth to force the Seneca entities to keep their "promises;" the "promises" are illusory; and the agreement abdicates City responsibilities to its citizens.
Citizens for a Better Buffalo has prepared this statement of observations for purposes of enhancing public discussion of the issues raised by the proposed agreement and by the casino project.
Specific Comments are:
- The proposed agreement fails to protect the City's hospitality, entertainment, restaurant and other leisure-based businesses. This is in expressed violation of promises by the City Administration.
Several years ago the City Administration attempted to obtain consensus support for the casino from downtown business owners. It promised a stand-alone casino that would not compete unfairly with restaurateurs, entertainment venues and others. The present agreement breaks this promise. Indeed, recent federal trademark filings of the Seneca indicate their intention to establish restaurants, retail, theater and even convention facilities in their Cobblestone District casino complex.
In fact, even local businessman and developer Carl Paladino, a former casino booster, now decries the proposed agreement.
Here's his recent letter to Artvoice:
"Dear Editor:"
"When the Senecas first proposed the compact, Mayor Masiello expressed concern about competition with our downtown Buffalo hospitality businesses, its hotels, restaurants and retail. President Schindler promised the mayor unequivocally that the intention of the Senecas was solely to operate a stand-alone casino in downtown Buffalo with no gourmet restaurants, hotels or retail. He stated that his promise on behalf of the Senecas was sufficient, but in any event he would sign a Memorandum of Understanding. He wanted the casino to be a win-win for the citizens of Buffalo and the Senecas. In reliance on the promise, governmental and private sector leaders agreed to support the compact in Albany."
"Schindler left office and the subsequent regimes have sought to abrogate those promises. We sued to stop them from building a new Seneca City on 135 acres in Cheektowaga in favor of downtown where the casino will share growth with the other venues and give the community some upside."
"The current proposal to settle the Buffalo casino issue is devoid of any reference to protecting our downtown hospitality businesses and tax base. To allow the Senecas to expand their casino franchise to the hospitality industry, in which they compete unfairly (being exempt from sales, bed and real estate taxes) would be shameful. Such unfair competition is destroying the tax base in Niagara Falls.Now is the time to confront the issue.The Senecas should be made to keep their promises."
"Very truly yours, Ellicott Development Company"
- The agreement does NOT prevent the Seneca from acquiring more Buffalo land.
See Section 9 of the agreement. The Administration of Mayor Brown made no - more - Seneca - land - acquisition a touchstone of further negotiations. The agreement does not limit the Seneca land purchases to the already-acquired ±9 acre "casino" site. The Brown Administration has misrepresented this aspect of the agreement.
First, nothing in this section is binding; the section merely expresses "good faith intentions" that are "with no legal obligation."
Second, it says only that the Seneca will not acquire more land to implement the casino compact.
- There is no enforceable commitment on the part of the Seneca to build and maintain a safe and defined structure that will not endanger the neighborhood, the general public and or emergency responders.
The agreement that the State's uniform building codes will not apply appears to conflict with the findings and intent of the Legislature of a need to assure that buildings are designed, built and maintained pursuant to a uniform set of codes to protect peoples' lives. The codes have been adopted by the City, and have been made applicable by the Executive Law to all jurisdictions within the State that do not have their own building and fire codes. The building codes should be mandatory. There is no action before the City which acknowledges removal of the property from the boundaries of the City or State of New York. At a minimum, the City should have, but failed to, obtain Seneca agreement to implement building codes equivalent to those of the City and State.
More importantly as a matter of public policy it is egregious to put the lives of the public-at-large, firefighters and other emergency personnel at risk by relaxing or disabling enforcement of the uniform fire prevention and building codes. Assuring buildings are safely built and maintained is a fundamental responsibility of government. That is the reason for the very code review and enforcement which has been written out of the agreement by the drafters.
Most unconscionable is that removing enforceability of basic safety standards is being done with the knowledge that, after the structures of unknown dimensions and engineering detail are built, thousands of people will be invited onto the premises on a daily basis. Buffalo Fire Department personnel and other emergency responders will then be expected to provide critical services within the structures without first being able to assure the safety of access and egress points as well as of the structure and its materials. The City certainly should have secured binding assurances (on the City's own terms) that its personnel and citizens will be safe and that the City would be compensated for the services of its personnel.
The deliberate frustration of the enforceability of basic safety codes is intentionally creating the potential for catastrophe.
- The promise to build and maintain landscaped area as parkland is absolutely an unenforceable illusory promise.
Under State laws there is a basic principal that parkland is held in trust for the benefit of the public. Once so dedicated, parkland cannot be alienated without an act of the State, which normally requires replacement parkland of equal or better value in close proximity. This "agreement" lacks any protections requiring the land to be so held in trust, and it fails to impose any enforceable duties on the landowner. Without such protection, the "parkland" can be removed from public enjoyment, or even built over for future expansion.
There is not even an enforceable promise to build a park in the first place or a remedy if it is not built. The Seneca present claims of "sovereignty" (to which the City Administration seems to be acquiescing), rendering problematic whether the City can, for example, readily deny a Certificate of Occupancy until what the Seneca represent will be built is actually built.
- The Fulton Street purchase price was not based on an independent appraisal, nor has there been a public valuation by a person with a duty to the City and its citizens, retained after council resolution requesting same. The appraiser appears to have acted solely as an agent representing the interests of the Seneca.
The appraisal was prepared by the professional appraiser acting at the behest of the Seneca Gaming Corporation. The individuals preparing it had no apparent professional responsibility to the City, and the City has no reason to rely on the price as being reflective of the unique actual value of Fulton Street as the final piece of a development "assemblage."
- The City may be limited in the ability to "lease out" its police force. Further review is required more fully to understand its limitations in this regard.
This basic concept may be precluded by General City law. Further review is required, and public input should be obtained.
- The City, the Sewer Authority and Water Authority have no clear duty to provide water and sewer services to a non-resident "foreign" jurisdiction, which is what the Seneca and City have agreed will own the land.
The agreement assumes a duty in this regard under Federal Law but does not state its basis. Research indicates the municipality's clear duty is to City residents. To date the Seneca Gaming Corp. and the Seneca deny being City "residents." While there is federal case law (and some state law) addressing discrimination in the provision of such services, there is no absolute obligation on the part of the City to provide such services to a "sovereign" nation, which claims to be for all legal purposes outside the City's corporate limits and out of the reach of the City's laws.
Any such service would be discretionary on the City's part, possibly with some very limited exceptions relating to discrimination. Based on the City's ability to exercise its discretion in determining whether to provide the resources, any City commitment would be required to comply with SEQRA prior to approval.
- The transfers and other actions require an environmental review of their full purpose, intent and impact before any of them may occur.
The transfer of property and any other City discretionary action requires a full environmental review of the purpose, intent and impact of the action, which is to facilitate the Project. The simple need for council votes on the agreement and land transfer requires review of the full project, and as well as its impacts on the environment.
Unfortunately the plans for the proposed "Casino" lack sufficient detail to facilitate the requisite environmental review. There is no limit on the size or nature of the development so as to limit its potential significant adverse impacts on the environment.
- The Seneca Entities and the City are wrong in assuming the Seneca are not subject to Federal, State or local environmental laws.
There are clear rulings rendered under virtually every Federal environmental statute to the contrary.
- Paragraph 8 appears to contemplate future diversion of what the City assumes will be its fraction of gambling revenues under the Nation-State Gambling Compact.
Paragraph 8 states the Nation will designate an individual to serve on the board (created by section 6(c)) that will consult and advise the City as to how to spend a percentage of the "host community" share of payments that are specifically designated in section 6(c) for improvements to the Inner Harbor Area only. The Board consists of 4 members, one from the Nation and one from the Corporation. The City must deposit a percentage of the annual Host Community Share payments into a separate account for the sole purposes of stimulating development in the Inner Harbor Area.
The intent seems to be to create another level of shadow government, possibly serving the purposes of a for-profit tax exempt entity. It further moves control of the City's fiscal resources beyond the reach of the legislative branch. The Common Council should scrupulously question this aspect of the agreement, as well as question why the Seneca should be given a role in determining how the City spends the "host community" share of payments.
- The MWBE workforce portion of the agreement at paragraph "7(e)" has no enforcement mechanism and is disavowed as a binding term in paragraph 9; and
- In paragraph "9" the Seneca expressly disavow any legal obligation to:
- be a good neighbor;
- achieve employment requirements in numbers or local work force;
- comply with the state building codes to assure the building is safe for the public and emergency responders; and
- restrict acquisition of future land to be held in restricted fee status in the City.
Don't allow Senecas to expand franchise
10/22/2006When the Seneca Nation first proposed the casino compact, Mayor Anthony Masiello expressed concern about competition with our downtown Buffalo hospitality businesses - its hotels, restaurants and retail. President Cyrus Schindler promised the mayor unequivocally that the intention of the Senecas was solely to operate a stand-alone casino downtown with no gourmet restaurants, hotels or retail. In reliance on the promise, governmental and private sector leaders agreed to support the compact.
Schindler left office and the subsequent regimes have sought to abrogate those promises. We sued to stop the Senecas from building a casino on 135 acres in Cheektowaga in favor of downtown, where the casino will share growth with other venues and give the community some upside.
The current proposal to settle the Buffalo casino issue is devoid of any reference to protecting downtown hospitality businesses and tax base. To allow the Senecas to expand their casino franchise to the hospitality industry - in which they compete unfairly because of tax exemptions - would be shameful. The Senecas should be made to keep their promises.
Carl P. Paladino, CEO, Ellicott Development Co.
published in the Buffalo News
Officials are ignoring facts about casinos
10/22/2006Citizens Against Casino Gambling in Erie County recently hosted the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling Regional Conference. Mayor Byron Brown and Common Council members were invited, but not one representative from these offices attended. This is a shame.
The people who represent us are not at all interested in the studies made by John Kindt, which were part of the 1999 National Gambling Impact Study Commission, exposing the casino myths, or the studies by Steven Siegel regarding the advantage casinos have over all restaurants and hotels. They missed the warning that loan-sharking gangs are preparing to prey on the gambling addicts. They also missed Distant Eagle say that casinos are ripe for corruption, i.e. the slot machines in Turning Stone are made by Turning Stone. And so much more.
The mayor needs to know more. The Common Council members who still talk about 1,000 jobs and economic growth need to be aware of the facts before they make a decision that will damage this area forever.
Diane Persico, Buffalo
published in the Buffalo News
Obstructionists block all progress in Buffalo
10/22/2006Here we go again! Tom Golisano has joined forces with the obstructionists. It amuses me how people like Golisano and the bishop of Buffalo cloak their self-interest in noble goals. I believe Golisano is protecting his hockey turf and the bishop is protecting his bingo turf, pure and simple. If Golisano were truly sincere in his concern for Buffalo, how about using his million dollars to provide books, supplies and computers for one of the poorest school systems in the country?
I'll build a 100,000-square-foot casino - let's sue. I'll build a state-of-the-art boutique hotel on Elmwood Avenue - let's sue. I'll build a 20-story luxury condo on Gates Circle - let's sue. And no matter what, let's protect those empty, rat-infested grain elevators.
Face it, Buffalo, the guy with the most lucrative and stable job around here is the one who prints the "for sale" signs for realtors.
Jack Pellegrino, Buffalo
published in the Buffalo News
Casino will harm local businesses
10/15/2006I attended the conference opposing legalized gambling last weekend and was appalled to learn the effects of building a casino within a city. Many local businesses lose their customers and are forced to close. Once in the casino, people don't go outside for food or entertainment. Thus we lose jobs, not gain jobs.
We also lose tax revenue. If each slot machine makes $190 a day, that's more than $60,000 a year. At 8.25 percent, that's almost $5,000 per machine lost. In addition, the cost to the local taxpayer increases as crime, bankruptcy and addictions increase. More police and social services are needed for the poor and addicted. Every dollar the city might get from the casino costs the city at least three dollars. It's a no-brainer - we can't afford a casino.
We are beginning to see life downtown: Buffalo has some wonderful restaurants and theaters and fun places to go; and new projects are coming in that will be economically healthy for our community. Let's not ruin downtown forever. Say no to a casino!
Marieanna Elliott, Hamburg
published in the Buffalo News
We must continue fight against casino gambling
10/15/2006A man of courage and conviction who is willing to put his money where his mouth is - how unusual! And how fortunate the people of Erie County and New York State are to have him on the side of truth and what is right for all of us - something so rare in public figures today.
Having just left the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling in Buffalo, I was inspired by Tom Golisano and others to continue to fight this plague, this addictive product, that has been fostered upon our citizens by some local, state and federal legislators. Shame on them! Everyone knows, and the research backs it up, that gambling cheats everyone it comes in contact with - except the owners - and adds nothing of value to our society.
A casino does not add jobs. It is not harmless fun. It increases addiction, crime, bankruptcy, suicides, spousal and child abuse, and on and on. It does not make economic sense. Citizens owe it to themselves to read the research so they know the facts.
People in Erie County are fortunate to have Golisano and others who are standing up for what is right for our children and our grandchildren.
Charlotte Nindl Wellins
Secretary
Coalition Against Gambling in New York
published in the Buffalo News
Golisano's comments insulting to Senecas
10/15/2006It must have been an interesting anti-casino forum at the Adam's Mark Hotel. How ironic that on Columbus Day weekend, I had to read Thomas Golisano's spin on genocide and then his proclamation of ignorance in The News. He doesn't think members of the Seneca Nation should receive checks from casino revenues, saying all nationalities have either been "overrun" by foreign interests or taken advantage of in other ways. He wrote: "My family came from Italy, and I don't know how many times Italy was overrun by foreign countries. You know what? I don't get a check. I don't understand why members of the Seneca Nation should be getting checks for casino earnings."
Golisano should consider that in the 15th century, there were more than 10 million native peoples in North America. But by the beginning of the 20th century, our numbers had dwindled to less the 230,000. That's a pretty darn good "overrunning."
The Seneca Nation is a sovereign nation and now has financial resources to assure the welfare and betterment of its citizens. It's interesting that a billionaire, who knows a lot about opportunity and exploitation, should concern himself with the finances of the Seneca Nation. Do "opportunity and exploitation" sound familiar? Think about 1492.
Tyler C. Heron
Deer Clan
Seneca Nation of Indians
published in the Buffalo News
“Preying on the poor and screwing small business isn’t economic development”
10/5/2006I stand by my decision to sue the Federal Government to stop a downtown casino. This is bad economics. Preying on the poor and screwing small business is not economic development. I have invested in attractions that have already proved that they bring visitors and their new dollars into our economy. That’s why we invest in the Buffalo Zoo. That’s why we invest in our unique architecture. There are over 400 casinos in the United States today. Nobody from anywhere else but Buffalo is going to come to Buffalo to gamble.
The Seneca Gaming Corporation wants to build a tax-exempt casino, a tax-exempt restaurant, a tax-exempt nightclub and a tax-exempt retail complex. Such a development will hurt existing businesses and cost jobs.
I will continue to sue in Federal Court to stop this from happening.
This proposed casino will not bring one new dollar into this community. On the contrary: this casino will be a drain on our economy.
The Seneca Gaming Corporation spelled it out in its own official documents. Quote:
“This new Class III gaming facility, which we refer to as the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, is expected to cater primarily to the local market in Buffalo and its suburbs.”
Source: February 14, 2006 filing of Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission, at page 12, concerning the proposed Buffalo casino.
That’s not economic development.
That’s why our Federal court case will continue.
Erie County joined citizens, foundations, Assemblymember Sam Hoyt and County Legislator Maria Whyte in filing a lawsuit against the Secretary of the Interior this past April. We argue that the Secretary broke the law when she gave the Seneca Nation permission to build a casino outside the boundaries of existing Seneca Nation reservation land. I am confident that our case is strong.
We still seek to join the lawsuit to force the City of Buffalo and the State of New York to follow the law and conduct a full Economic Impact Study in the course of doing a full Environmental Impact Study.
The Seneca Gaming Corporation promises new jobs.
Every independent study of the economic impact of a casino proves that casinos displace existing jobs.
I want to see the study that shows how many existing jobs in existing businesses will be lost. I want to see the study that shows how many restaurants will close if the Seneca Nation opens two tax-free restaurants and a nightclub, as laid out in their official disclosures.
Taking jobs from tax-paying businesses will make us losers, not winners. That is why I oppose this casino.
Joel Giambra
Erie County Executive
NOT published in the Buffalo news but distributed in a press release. Ed
Facilitating casino talks protects city's interests
9/8/2006I think Robert E. Whelan did a good job as city comptroller, but he's wrong in his Aug. 31 comments that "the current comptroller is taking a path that will not benefit the people of Buffalo" by supporting a downtown casino.
The reason that I offered to help break the stalemate on the casino talks between the Brown administration and the Seneca Gaming Corp. is because I think a strong agreement that protects the city's interests and brings in a first-class casino will benefit the people of Buffalo.
First, casinos are part of the landscape, not just in Western New York and Southern Ontario but around the world, and there is every reason to believe that the Seneca Nation, as a result of its compact with New York State, is going to build a casino in Buffalo.
The Senecas have the site, they have the resources and they have an agreement with the state.
The previous city administration fought other bidders to get the casino downtown, and now here we are with a possible final agreement just about completed and the talks have broken down.
Maybe Whelan and his friends believe I should have turned a deaf ear to the sound of potential jobs and money leaving the city. Maybe Whelan and his friends believe Buffalo doesn't need 1,000 jobs, a growing dedicated revenue stream and $7 million in infrastructure improvements in the area surrounding the Buffalo Creek project.
Maybe they think a few hundred jobs will do. Maybe they think a bush-league casino producing far less than a minimum of $100 million in slot revenue over the next 15 years to the city is OK. I don't. And remember, unlike Bass Pro, taxpayers are not footing the bill.
My belief is that we should make every effort to ensure the best possible contract with the Senecas to maximize the casino's impact and minimize the risk to the city and to competitive interests.
There is time now to negotiate an agreement that will work for both the city and the Senecas and add a first-class casino to the Buffalo landscape that can compete with the other casinos around here and offer local residents and out-of-towners a choice on where to spend their recreational dollars.
As I said in my initial comments about this project, we can't afford to bungle any more opportunities if this city is to come back. The casino is only a part of the puzzle to fuel the city's renaissance, but it can be an important part if done right.
I didn't take a political poll before offering to help move the talks forward. I know there are powerful interests on both sides of the issue, some who have supported me in the past and some who have not. My stand is based on my interest in the future of this city, not my political future.
The safe position would have been to stand mute. I chose to stand up.
Andrew SanFilippo, Buffalo
published in the Buffalo News
Seneca Casino deal not right for the City of Buffalo
8/31/2006I have a long history of public service in New York, having been elected city comptroller four times and serving 14 years as a justice of the State Supreme Court. As the city's CFO, I was twice named to the list of the nation's best financial managers as a result of my ability to produce 14 years of budget surpluses.
During my tenure, I've watched various attempts at economic development. As a citizen, I've wanted each of them to succeed. But instead, we have seen project after project, each promising a panacea for the city, fail to deliver.
City Comptroller Andrew SanFilippo, who served as a member of my staff for years, correctly identifies some of those failures, including the location of the University at Buffalo campus in Amherst, the location of the stadium in Orchard Park and the Metro Rail expansion project. But he fails to realize that we are on track to repeat the same mistake with the proposed Buffalo casino.
The Seneca Gaming Corp. boasts that it will spend $1.7 million on advertising to bring tourism to Buffalo. In a recent Securities and Exchange Commission filing, however, the SGC was forced to admit that it expects the majority of the casino's business to come from local residents.
Despite this ambiguity, SanFilippo, the city's fiscal watchdog, apparently doesn't question whether $1.7 million would even be sufficient for a national ad campaign. It is in fact only 4 thousandths of 1 percent (.004 percent) of the $372.4 million in revenues that the Senecas generated during the first nine months of their 2006 fiscal year.
Council Majority Leader Dominic J. Bonifacio announced this week that if the casino was not completed, the city would be forced to cut jobs. He blames the city's inability to balance its budget on our failure to build a casino. He misses the fact that strong fiscal discipline raised Buffalo out of previous economic hardship and set us on a path to improvement - a path that will likely be destroyed by this easy-fix mentality concerning the casino.
Local studies have found that for every casino job created, two to 2.75 jobs would be lost in the community if a Buffalo casino were built. It would be foolish to knowingly enter into a deal that would create 1,000 casino jobs, only to cost us 2,000 jobs we already have.
Those eager to enter blindly into this agreement with millionaire Barry Snyder Sr. love to trumpet the potential for $6 million in revenues; but they apparently failed basic accounting, or have simply ignored the scientific research showing that every dollar that legalized gambling contributes costs the taxpayers $3 to address the increased socioeconomic costs.
SanFilippo finds it "incomprehensible that the city wouldn't execute this . . . agreement that the Seneca Nation wants to sign." I believe he is wrong.
We must recognize that this is the wrong deal, at the wrong time, and for the wrong reasons.
Robert E. Whelan, Williamsville.
published in the Buffalo News
Buffalo should reject the idea of a casino
8/27/2006With all the talk of the downtown casino, I would like to put in my two-cents worth. There are far too many questions unanswered in my view to go further with this whole fiasco.
First, after visiting the Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls, I failed to see any spin-off business. More like businesses shutting down because of an uneven playing field enjoyed by the Senecas. I also happened to notice an entire neighborhood slated for demolition due to eminent domain so the casino can take over the land. Not a very good deal for the homeowners.
Now off to Buffalo. Just wondering, but who is going to do the police and fire work at this facility? Since the Senecas claim this area to be sovereign, I guess they will have their own police department to take care of all problems that occur at the casino. Or probably want the Buffalo police to take care of it. God forbid a fire should ever break out.
Let's get all this on the table before we go any further. Better yet, forget the casino all together. For the $5 [million] to $7 million dollars we are supposed to get per year, this will be nothing but a money loser for the city. Senecas, thanks, but no thanks.
Jack Regan, Hamburg
published in the Buffalo News
News editorial is wrong on the casino situation
8/27/2006The final paragraph of The News editorial of Aug. 7 gives readers what are described as "the conditions to make swallowing a bitter pill taste better." The mayor can "get a grand first step for further development," or he "can have a big box surrounded by weeds," the writers claim.
To refer to a gambling casino as a "grand first step for further development" is not only inaccurate, it is untrue - as has been demonstrated in communities from Atlantic City to Detroit and beyond. Casinos simply do not encourage further development, as enlightened politicians are fast becoming aware.
The News editorial writers refer sarcastically to a city neighborhood that "to put it nicely, has lain fallow for a few years." A major reason it has "lain fallow" was an outside development - the St. Lawrence Seaway - which did away with our role as a major grain port. It is new economic forces such as the need for ethanol to lessen our dependence on Mideastern oil which could lead to what can truly be "a grand first step for further development."
We salute a new crop of entrepreneurs willing to make it happen, and we salute Mayor Byron W. Brown and those elected politicians who are coming together to see that the long term interests of our city are defended, whether a casino is built. Or, not.
Gregg Borland, Buffalo
published in the Buffalo News
Build a top-notch casino in the City of Buffalo
8/27/2006To the City of Buffalo: stop giving the Senecas a hard time about the Buffalo Creek Casino. Earlier we fought to have it in Buffalo, when they were contemplating going to Cheektowaga.
Please, sell them Fulton Street and let them build a first-class casino. The sooner, the better. Maybe we can have a casino by Christmas 2007.
Jane Galvin, Buffalo
published in the Buffalo News
Seneca casino plan should gain more support in Buffalo
8/25/2006What disappointed us during a recent evening in Niagara Falls, N.Y., was the ruined view of the Horseshoe Falls due to the ugly Canadian concrete towers nestled virtually at its brink. It's an architectural travesty.
Where was the stuck-in-a-rut Buffalo crowd during this desecration of a beautiful view? Oh yes, they were wasting time worshipping at the altar of an absurd bait and tackle shop and fretting over worthless grain elevators in neighborhood wastelands.
People say that nobody's benefiting from the Seneca Niagara Casino in the Falls and nobody would benefit from the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino. The stretch along the north side of the Falls' casino was never an entertainment wonderland to begin with.
The Senecas must find a way to build their innovative Buffalo casino. The sleek, colorful hotel tower they've built in the Falls is an architectural dream - none of that cheesy concrete junk as seen on the Canadian side. It's the most interesting building in Western New York in decades. We ate at the hotel's Koi restaurant, and it was world-class dining.
Buffalo deserves to have the visionary Senecas here. Nobody [else] in Buffalo tore down an eyesore and offered to build a stunning new building. All folks do is complain and play petty political games.
Jude Coleman, Amherst
published in the Buffalo News
Paladino right to blame teachers for the bad economy and need for a casino
8/24/2006I had to blink twice when I read this spiteful letter from Ron Cauley, Buffalo published in Artvoice. If Cauley is to be believed, teachers are a real factor in the bad economy AND, get this, a bad economy needs a casino. Click here to read Cauley's letter and, Citizen for a Better Buffalo, YOU be the judge. Do bad economies benefit from casinos? - Ed
Senecas should agree to an even playing field
8/22/2006I read Barry Snyder's Aug. 16 column on the Seneca Nation's interest in helping revitalize Buffalo. He lists all the points on which a handshake deal or gentleman's agreement was made with the city. The most important concern was not listed. That is that the Seneca Nation would limit their business in Buffalo to gambling - that it would not include restaurants, hotels or any other business that would compete in an unfair, non-taxable way with other business in the city.
I do not agree with gambling casinos. I think they create all types of social woes, and anyone really having Buffalo's interest at heart would find other ways to help it prosper. However, we all are witness to the gambling-inspired growth in Ontario. The difference between there and here is the fact that there the casinos coexist with surrounding business on an even playing field. They all pay taxes and live under the same laws and guidelines.
If the Senecas are sincere in wanting to help Buffalo, they will agree to live by the same laws all the other businesses live by in the city and not compete with them from a protected position.
Mary Helenbrook, Williamsville
published in the Buffalo News
"Let's turn Buffalo back into a class act"
8/21/2006Businessman Carl Paladino thinks "the city is squandering an opportunity to reap millions" (Aug. 4 News) by not working out a deal to sell Fulton Street to the Seneca Nation. He would like to bring the city and the Senecas "to their senses" so that work can proceed on the casino. I wish Paladino would come to his senses.
I remember when crowds filled the streets of downtown Buffalo on a Sunday afternoon to shop, take in a show and eat in one of the many fine restaurants on Main Street. I was a teenager then, in the 1950s, working three jobs every summer. Work took me to Ellicott Square, the Marine Trust, MacDoel's Restaurant and Loft's Candy Shop, the Jackson Building, General Mills and the Birge factory. Buffalo was a class act, and I was excited and proud to be part of the scene.
In the decades that followed, downtown lost much of its character. Gone are many of the department stores and shops, movie theaters, restaurants, the unique flavor of Shelton Square and the crowds. Now many believe a "first-class casino" will revitalize downtown.
In recent months, we have seen an increase in gunfire and homicides in the city. Two weeks ago, a senseless killing occurred on Bedford Avenue in North Buffalo. When you drive through many sections of this city today, you see abandonment and decay. The heavy drug trade, reflecting the desperation of people who live in these conditions, has led to turf wars, which erupt in drive-by shootings. How will a downtown casino affect the people who live in these poverty-stricken areas? Certainly not in any positive way. They may look to fulfill their dreams at the gambling tables or slot machines. Since the Seneca Nation has planned its casino for the local market, it will be a big draw for residents lacking transportation to Niagara Falls or Salamanca.
And since casinos are designed to make money for the casino and not the patrons, we can expect an increase in homicides, suicides, burglaries, alcoholism, drug use, embezzlements and bankruptcies. Higher levels of crime and other problems in casino neighborhoods have been well documented.
A smoke-filled casino that drains the life out of surrounding businesses will not revitalize Buffalo. We have a renaissance already happening downtown, with new housing, a market, waterfront development and the prospect of a return of cars to Main Street. We have a fantastic theater industry. We need to keep our theaters and sports complexes alive and attract new cultural and recreational services.
Let's come to our senses. Why do we need more gambling places? There are two casinos in Western New York and two close by in Ontario. You can also cross the Peace Bridge and in less than 10 minutes place your bet at the racetrack or use the slot machines there. You can smoke there too. Or you can walk into a store any time and buy lottery tickets of all kinds.
Jacqueline Trace
published in the Buffalo News
Brown is caving in under casino pressure
8/20/2006We started with mayoral candidate Byron Brown, supporter for the development of a downtown casino. We ended with Mayor Byron Brown, "yes man." After less than one year in office, Brown has stopped thinking for himself, and has collapsed under the pressure of his anti-casino advisers.
The conditions the city has made to the Seneca Nation are ridiculous. Anyone who has been to either casino can see they hire people of all ethnic backgrounds. As for residency, the city has hundreds of employees on its payroll who don't live in the city, including City Hall workers, police and firefighters. Who is Brown to tell a company, which is investing over $100 million in downtown, who they can and cannot hire.
Four months ago Brown took Barry Snyder on his word that the Seneca Nation would not purchase more land for development. I guess Snyder's word is no longer good. Here's a novel idea, the city should take the $630,000 the Senecas are willing to pay for a small stretch of Fulton Street and repair its own streets.
It's time for Brown to start thinking for himself and say "yes" to positive development.
Robert A. Franco, West Seneca
published in the Buffalo News
Buffalo inertia abounds in casino back-and-forth
8/20/2006I just don't understand this. First the Seneca Indians wanted to build a casino in Cheektowaga. So Buffalo filed a lawsuit because, according to the agreement with New York State, they had to build a casino somewhere in Buffalo. Buffalo won its lawsuit against the Senecas, so they decided to build a casino downtown. Then other groups filed a lawsuit to stop it, and now City Hall is fighting with the Senecas. If Buffalo doesn't want the casino, let the Senecas go back to Cheektowaga. What a joke. How does anything get done in this city? Pardon me, I forgot, nothing gets done in Buffalo.
Pat Morrow, Cheektowaga
published in the Buffalo News
Casino deal only will harm citizens and businesses
8/20/2006Buffalo has been playing games behind closed doors with the Seneca Gaming Corp. Why do the citizens of Mayor Byron Brown's city have to put up with this travesty? Is it because of a marvelous "jackpot" of development and revenue for this city? If so, why isn't it being discussed in the open? Why hasn't The News carried details of the "negotiations" and lists of offers and counter-offers? Can it be that our elected officials are aware that there is no good deal to come from any casino on sovereign Seneca land in this poor city? They should be. Information abounds in our community.
A casino spells short-term change and long-term harm to the community. Look to the towns around Turning Stone Casino. They are suffering, as are those near Connecticut's large casino. Gas stations and doughnut shops are the only development they have seen, plus significant increases in cost to the citizens. The Buffalo picture is obviously the same. Tom Golisano has it right, and he's speaking for thousands of citizens who know that our mayor and Common Council will be making a huge mistake if they allow this to go forward. It's not a done deal! There is no jackpot to come.
Robert J. Schulman, M.D., Buffalo
published in the Buffalo News
Contrary to The News, a casino is not certain8/20/2006
The gambling interests claim they want to "partner with Buffalo" to assist in economic development and have no interest in additional sovereign territory. Yet they refuse to put these commitments in writing. Doesn't this tell us all we need to know? Of course they want to acquire more land to take off the tax rolls so they can open hotels, restaurants and retail businesses to compete with the city's existing businesses.
They don't care about Buffalo's unemployment problem - in fact, urban casinos always cause a net rise in unemployment. Their interest is not to participate in a citywide marketing campaign - their goal is to keep people in the casino and its related, nontaxpaying businesses.
As for the threat of a scaled-down casino - a small casino would hurt the city less than a big one. Better yet would be no casino at all! Fortunately, this is not a done deal. A News article surveyed attorneys from across the country who all felt that the lawsuits had an excellent chance of success. I was stunned to read a News editorial stating that, "barring an unlikely court decision, a casino will be built." On what basis is it "unlikely?"
Mary Bartley, Buffalo
published in the Buffalo News
Employment hopes rise with a Buffalo casino
8/20/2006The Aug. 13 letter writer, "Casino will destroy our social fabric" must get real. She claims the casino will destroy our social fabric. When a father is murdered in an effort to steal a cell phone, that suggests to me that our social fabric is already in serious trouble. In an otherwise bleak local economy the casino does hold the promise of a quality-of-life essential. Jobs.
Lou Marconi, Kenmore
published in the Buffalo News
Golisano's criticism of casino is on the mark
8/20/2006This is in response to the Aug. 5 letter criticizing Tom Golisano for his opposition to a downtown casino. Competition from a gambling casino will not financially break Golisano. He is a wealthy man who can afford to move on, if need be. He is a smart man who is willing to speak up when he sees a train wreck coming.
Sure, a nontaxpaying casino complex will have lots of cheap enticements. But once Buffalo's taxpaying restaurants, bars, shops and hotels are closed because they cannot compete, what will naturally happen? Once the competition has vanished, just like in Las Vegas, the cheap buffets, give-away hotel rooms and 99-cent breakfasts will be gone too.
Elaine M. Reinhardt, Cheektowaga
published in the Buffalo News
At least a city casino would show movement
8/18/2006Please ask the Seneca Nation to add an additional 1,000-sqare-foot casino. This will be for the new bait and tackle shop. You know, Bass Pro Shop. And maybe they could assist in the new rope bridge to Canada from our new waterfront.
It's time we do something right or don't do it all, but let's at least do something. In all of my years of living and supporting Western New York, nothing ever changes. It's time to move ahead and show the rest of America we have plenty to offer here - besides just high taxes and an abundance of rhetoric.
William J. Baier, M.D., Lockport
published in the Buffalo News
Senecas DOING Buffalo
8/18/2006"the seneca’s (sic) are only doing buffalo to block out competition."
Carl Paladino, August 7, 2006, e-mail to Bruce Jackson published in Artvoice, August 17, 2006. Ed.
Jackson to Paladino: "What's your interest?"
8/17/2006In an astounding exchange of e-mails, Professor Bruce Jackson asks developer Carl Paladino why he promotes the Casino so heavily. He does not get an answer to his question. Indeed, the style of Paladino's response suggests that he surely has something to hide. Citizen for a Better Buffalo, YOU decide. To read this apalling exchange, click here. - Ed
LETTERS
"We believe Judge Skretny had the authority to decide the question he remanded back to the National Indian Gaming Commission, that is, whether the Buffalo Parcel is Indian Country (i.e. under Indian sovereignty), which it must be before it can be used for gambling." - Joel Rose, June 17, 2007 more
"Companies looking to relocate to Buffalo see this and count us out because they do not want the legal hassles." - Jean M Dunbar, April 16, 2007, Buffalo News more
"A billboard for the Fallsview Casino shows a woman in such a hurry to gamble that she forgot to make sure her dress was hanging correctly and not showing off her assets — no pun intended... Please take it down - it is an insult to this community."
- Cynthia Marinidis, April 11, 2007, Buffalo News more
"Poverty is a state of mind." - Maurice John, March 31, 2007, Buffalo News more
"...when the Seneca Indians get the money from the casino, they don’t distribute it evenly within the community. I mean, we see these Native Americans living in these horrible shacklike homes, while the elite that run the casino rise to the top and live in these huge mansions and rake in all the money." - Phil Wagner, March 14, 2007, Nichols Students "Urban Studies" Class more
“Our position was not to argue that a casino is good or bad; those decisions were made at a higher level,” said Mr. Brown, who made a point of saying that he is not a gambler. “As mayor, my responsibility is to protect the interests of the community.” - Mayor Byron Brown, February 19, 2007, NY Times more
"This is a very troubling development and raises the strong possibility that the Buffalo Creek Casino will have negative impacts on our local economy. This development speaks strongly against the City providing any support for the infrastructure improvements requested by the Seneca Nation around the Buffalo Creek Casino site." - Mayor Byron Brown, January 2006, City of Buffalo website more
"I think as a society we were better off with the bingo halls." - buffaloi, February 19, 2007, Buffalo i dot com more
"I truly wish these writers and the supposed 90 percent of Old First Ward neighbors would read, learn and understand that the Seneca Gaming Corp. wants to help only itself and its bottom line." - Robert Schulman, M.D., February 17, 2007, Buffalo News more
"The personal and professional decision that we have made had absolutely nothing to do with Snyder and is not the result of any heated meeting." - John Pasqualoni and Joe D'Amato, February 14, 2007, Buffalo News more
"The Senecas have played by the rules and have spent millions of dollars in acquisition, demolition and development costs" - Michael Fijal, February 10, 2007, Buffalo News more
"Why has he hired, at great expense to the city, a high-powered attorney to provide legal advocacy for the casino?" - Mary Bartley, January 26, 2007, Buffalo News more
To add insult to incompetence, Brown continues to support the building of the Seneca casino, practically handing Fulton Street to the Indians on a silver platter. Read our lips, mayor: no casino!" - Peter Karlinski, January 17, 2007, Buffalo News more
"At the same time, we can cross the street to a Seneca gambling casino and lose our life savings in one visit." - Douglas Hall, January 12, 2007, Buffalo News more
"That, in a way, is a modicum of justice." - Daniel Reiff, December 24, 2006, Buffalo News more
"Perhaps the (Citizens for a Better Buffalo) group could better serve the community by striving for tax reform on all levels to hopefully make this area once again economically competitive." - Richard C. Riederer, December 24, 2006, Buffalo News more
"I can't help but think that having three casinos and two slot machine venues within a 70-mile radius of Buffalo is contributing to the (Bills blackout) situation." - David Kazmierczak, December 23, 2006, Buffalo News more
"I'm doing this because I consider what the Interior Department has done, and the Seneca Nation has done, to be a very pernicious perversion of the law, and it cannot stand," LaFalce said. "I think this is an open-and-shut case. I do not think we will see casino gambling in Buffalo." - John LaFalce, December 11, 2006, Buffalo News more
"Shame on us for allowing a gambling casino within walking distance of our poorest citizens." - Elaine Reinhardt, November 26, 2006, Buffalo News more
"We shouldn't send $65-$100 million to Albany and only get a couple - million - dollars back." - Antoine Thompson, November 16, 2006, WNED AM-970 News more
"I suggest placing a commemorative plaque on the Seneca casino, engraved with the names of the elected officials responsible for the Fulton Street folly" - Lorna Lippes, November 14, 2006, Buffalo News more
"It has gone to a Common Council public hearing where there was extensive debate and review and then the council voted by super-majority, a 6 to 3 vote, to approve the sale and abandonment of Fulton St." - Mayor Byron Brown, November 9, 2006, WNED AM-970 News more
"The Senecas and Brown have no data, no facts and no proof to support the future benefit to Buffalo." - Robert Schulman, M.D., October 28, 2006, Buffalo News more
"To allow the Senecas to expand their casino franchise to the hospitality industry - in which they compete unfairly because of tax exemptions - would be shameful." - Carl Paladino, October 22, 2006, Buffalo News more
"The Common Council members who still talk about 1,000 jobs and economic growth need to be aware of the facts before they make a decision that will damage this area forever." - Diane Persico, October 22, 2006, Buffalo News more
"If Golisano were truly sincere in his concern for Buffalo, how about using his million dollars to provide books, supplies and computers for one of the poorest school systems in the country?" - Jack Pellegrino, October 22, 2006, Buffalo News more
"Every dollar the city might get from the casino costs the city at least three dollars. It's a no-brainer - we can't afford a casino." - Marieanna Elliott, October 15, 2006, Buffalo NEws more
"Golisano should consider that in the 15th century, there were more than 10 million native peoples in North America." - Tyler C. Heron, October 15, 2006, Buffalo News more
"The train has got to stop. I think this is a great place to stop it." - Tom Golisano, October 6, 2006, Conference of Anti-Casino Strategies for non-Giants, Buffalo, NY
"There are over 400 casinos in the United States today. Nobody from anywhere else but Buffalo is going to come to Buffalo to gamble." - Joel Giambra, October 6, 2006, Press Release more
"The experience of every city that has casinos, except Las Vegas, is that casino jobs come at the cost of a greater number of preexisting jobs." - Bruce Jackson, September 14, 2006, Artvoice more
"I think a strong agreement that protects the city's interests and brings in a first-class casino will benefit the people of Buffalo." - Andrew SanFilippo, September 9, 2006, Buffalo News more
"Local studies have found that for every casino job created, two to 2.75 jobs would be lost in the community." - Robert E. Whalen, August 31, 2006, Buffalo News more
"There are far too many questions unanswered in my view to go further with this whole fiasco." - Jack Regan, August 27, 2006, Buffalo News more
"Please, sell them Fulton Street and let them build a first-class casino." - Jane Galvin, August 27, 2006, Buffalo News more
"To refer to a gambling casino as a "grand first step for further development" is not only inaccurate, it is untrue - as has been demonstrated in communities from Atlantic City to Detroit and beyond." - Gregg Borland, August 27, 2006, Buffalo News more
"Buffalo deserves to have the visionary Senecas here." - Jude Coleman, August 25, 2006, Buffalo News more
" I don't like the casino idea but also wish you guys would agree to concessions or take you master's degrees (sic) in English and history and try to get a job somewhere else." - Ron Cauley, August 24, 2006, Artvoice more
"I do not agree with gambling casinos. I think they create all types of social woes, and anyone really having Buffalo's interest at heart would find other ways to help it prosper." - Mary Helenbrook, August 23, 2006, Buffalo News more
"How will a downtown casino affect the people who live in these poverty-stricken areas? Certainly not in any positive way." - Jacqueline Trace, August 21, 2006, Buffalo News more
"It's time for Brown to start thinking for himself and say "yes" to positive development." - Robert A. Franco, August 20, 2006, Buffalo News more
"If Buffalo doesn't want the casino, let the Senecas go back to Cheektowaga." - Pat Morrow, August 20, 2006, Buffalo News more
"Buffalo has been playing games behind closed doors with the Seneca Gaming Corp. Why do the citizens of Mayor Byron Brown's city have to put up with this travesty?" - Robert J. Schulman, M.D., August 20, 2006, Buffalo News more
'I was stunned to read a News editorial stating that, "barring an unlikely court decision, a casino will be built." On what basis is it "unlikely?" ' - Mary Bartley, August 20, 2006, Buffalo News more
"In an otherwise bleak local economy the casino does hold the promise of a quality-of-life essential. Jobs." - Lou Marconi, August 20, 2006, Buffalo News more
"Sure, a nontaxpaying casino complex will have lots of cheap enticements." - Elaine M. Reinhardt, August 20, 2006, Buffalo News more
"It's time we do something right or don't do it all, but let's at least do something." (sic)" - William J. Baier, M.D., August 18, 2006, Buffalo News more
"the seneca’s (sic) are only doing buffalo to block out competition." - Carl Paladino, e-mail to Bruce Jackson published in Artvoice, August 17, 2006
"I'm trying to figure out why you keep pushing the casino so aggressively." - Bruce Jackson, e-mail to Carl Paladino published in Artvoice, August 17, 2006 more
"If Mayor Brown truly had the best interests of Buffalonians at heart he would sell Fulton Street for the appraised value but he would only grant the Seneca Gaming Corporation (SGC) access to the water and sewer infrastructure if two contingencies are met." - Drew Shapiro, August 17, 2006, Artvoice
"The deal the mayor gets for Buffalo in granting the Seneca Nation a downtown casino should include a program funded by the Senecas for each of the following: suicide counseling for those fallen upon ruination through gambling; divorce counseling for those whose marriage is destroyed through gambling; employment counseling for those who lose their jobs after misappropriating company funds to feed their gambling habit; rehabilitation for those who fall to gambling addiction; financial restitution to all businesses that fail due to inability to compete with "no-tax" service." - Charles H. Lambros, August 16, 2006, Buffalo News
"Anyone can see that a thriving business is better than an abandoned lot." - Margaret King, August 13, 2006, Buffalo News
"If the Seneca Gaming Corp. is not willing to sign contracts then it should abandon the casino plans." - Judith M. Metzger, August, 13, 2006, Buffalo News
"The Senecas apparently see a city desperate for development willing to jump into an inadequate deal." - Philip Wilcox, August 13, 2006, Buffalo News
"Brown should treat the Senecas fairly and with respect. He should agree to let them do what they need to do to build a great casino." - Janice Clifford, August 13, 2006, Buffalo News
"I am not in favor of a gambling casino being built in downtown Buffalo." - William C. Gault, August 12, 2006, Buffalo News
"Why give up on a grand casino idea? Was it not the City of Buffalo that couldn't make it to court fast enough when Cheektowaga was considered for the casino? Now city officials want to make more insane demands of the Seneca people. Either the city wants an awesome casino/hotel or it doesn't. Wake up, Mayor Byron Brown, or you will ruin this for all of us." - Suzanne Schenk (Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, Irving) August 11, 2006, Buffalo News
"Three cheers for hizzoner! Finally, an elected city official has stood up to the Seneca bulldozer. When Seneca Nation President Barry Snyder demanded that Mayor Byron Brown sell him a street or else, he got or else. Our stalwart mayor insisted on equitable hiring practices and a stop to more acquisition of city land - not an unreasonable request to make.
Snyder, in breaking off negotiations, was quoted as saying, "We've had enough as a Seneca Nation and I don't think we should take any more." Sounds good to me. Why should Buffalo lose a predicted two jobs for every job a casino adds while the casino competes tax-free with other city restaurants and entertainment venues? Maybe Snyder and friends will get the message - no casino in Buffalo."
- Andy Graham, August 10, 2006, Buffalo News
""If all of these conditions are in place," Brown said, "I think the casino could be more of a positive than a negative." That is where the mayor and I part ways. If Brown gets what he wants, it makes a bad deal a little better - but not anywhere near good. The casino still would drain local pockets. The bigger fight is getting Albany to give Buffalo all of the state's share - about 20 percent of the slot take - to pump up the city's pittance. And I'm still rooting for the lawsuits that were filed to stop the whole thing." - Donne Esmonde, August 9, 2006, Buffalo News
"We don't favor casinos, whose track records contain too many negatives. We'd rather gambling remain in tourist-mecca Niagara Falls. But if one is built in Buffalo, it ought to be the best-possible deal for the city. The stakes are high - 1,000 jobs, tens of millions of dollars for the city and hundreds of millions for the Senecas; beyond that, there is the developmental future of a city neighborhood that has, to put it nicely, lain fallow for a few years. The expectation here is that when the two sides reawaken to their mutual self interest, they will reach a beneficial compromise. We urge that." - Buffalo News, August 7, 2006
"We are a city in decline, negotiating as though we are in the midst of a boom. Deterioration and evacuation are all around us. A noticeable lack of incoming investment capital, along with an absence of visionary leadership, will once again destroy a seed with the DNA potential to revitalize our downtown and waterfront." - Pamela and Dennis Occhino, August 7, 2006, Buffalo News
"I have today informed the Seneca Nation of Indians that the City of Buffalo has officially discontinued all negotiations regarding the abandonment and sale of Fulton Street." - Byron Brown, August 2, 2006, WNED
"Everyone living in or near Buffalo has a decision to make. The downtown casino is not a done deal, but it will be unless we each take a stand. It's time for every concerned citizen, every parent, every politician and every business person to let your voice be heard. Do you support a casino located on a newly established sovereign nation in the heart of our downtown?" - Tom Golisano, July 29, 2006, Buffalo News
"I have released New York State as a defendant of our petition." - Joseph Finnerty, July 27, 2006
"Do you know which state has the worst criminal record, by any measure, in the nation? Nevada!" - Tom Lunt, July 27, 2006
"These are people from our communities going to these casinos and losing this kind of money. You know what I call the slots? Video crack." - Tom Golisano, April 12, 2006, Buffalo News
"I would stress one thing I mentioned yesterday... the irretrievable damage to the area's reputation. There's a rogue's gallery of cities that includes Gary, Atlantic City, Biloxi, Detroit and East St. Louis that one joins automatically when this type of casino is built. We as a community should fight like hell to avoid membership of this club. It is like erecting a national billboard, saying "We are Losers." " - Larry Quinn, April 13, 2006, Artvoice
"New York Governor George Pataki negotiated a closed-room deal that would, if unchallenged, result in three gambling casinos prohibited under the New York State constitution—one on a Seneca reservation, a second in Niagara Falls, the third in Buffalo. This deal was rubber-stamped by US Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton without any of the required physical and social environmental impact studies, and in violation of the Federal laws controlling casinos on Indian land.
Such a casino in Buffalo, operating outside the control of New York laws protecting workers and patrons and totally free of the taxes that all other New York State businesses pay, would do huge harm to Buffalo's fragile economy. The owners of such a casino and a few people working with them would make a lot of money, but the city and its environs would suffer grievous harm.
And that is why Citizens for a Better Buffalo has taken up this fight to save our city. Please... join us."
- Bruce Jackson, Jan 3, 2006
"I think it's cynical on the part of the state to raise money from people who basically can't afford it by promising them a dream that is not going to come true for any but the tiniest, tiniest fraction of the people who participate, and that causes people to get into the kind of trouble I hear about every day." - Warren Buffett, September 15, 2004
"A stand-alone operation in downtown Buffalo would primarily serve locals and simply reshuffle existing jobs within the economy..." - Ricky L Armstrong Sr., April 25, 2004, Buffalo News
The thought of a casino in Buffalo "causes knots in my stomach." - Chuck Schumer, June 29, 2001, Buffalo News
"The world is a dangerous place,
not because of those who do evil,
but because of those
who look on and do nothing."
- Albert Einstein, 1918