Zona de Azar USA – Local Lawmakers Concerned About Proposed Rochester Casino in Gaming Compact

USA.- June 13th 2023 www.zonadeazar.com Some local lawmakers are expressing concerns about a proposed new gaming compact involving the Seneca Nation, which could potentially lead to the establishment of a casino in the city of Rochester.

As state lawmakers concluded most of their work for the current legislative session, one unresolved matter revolves around a bill that would grant the governor’s office the authority to negotiate a new gaming compact with the Senecas.

This compact could potentially allow for the placement of a full-scale casino in Rochester. However, the process appears to be happening out of order. While the framework of an agreement is in place, it has not been released. Lawmakers have only recently started voting to authorize the executive branch to negotiate the deal.

As a result, leaders in the Rochester area have been left uninformed and uninvolved thus far.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello expressed his concerns in a statement released on Monday, stating, “A matter as significant as placing a casino in Rochester should be openly discussed, involving members of our state delegation and local officials. It is deeply troubling that our community is now in a position to debate an issue without having full knowledge of the negotiated details.”

Mayor Malik Evans also expressed frustration, noting the lack of communication between City Hall and the state delegation. He stated, “Any conversation of this magnitude that excludes local stakeholders is unacceptable. There are already numerous casinos in the Rochester area. My focus remains on creating meaningful opportunities that foster a vibrant Rochester economy focused on 21st-century jobs.”

While the state Senate approved moving forward, Democratic member Jeremy Cooney was the sole dissenting vote. Cooney explained that he lacked sufficient details to make an informed decision and felt it was important to involve the communities he represents and allow for public input.

The Seneca Nation has long expressed interest in establishing a gaming operation in Rochester, and reports in media outlets, including the Rochester Business Journal and Politico, suggest that they may be exploring this possibility once again. However, it remains unclear whether any specific location is being discussed.

Assemblymember Harry Bronson, a Democrat representing the Rochester area, is not a proponent of using gambling as an economic driver. He stated, “I believe placing a casino in downtown Rochester should be a nonstarter. While casinos are often presented as economic development, although job creation is a positive aspect, there are far better economic development programs that we should be implementing for the residents of Rochester.”

Bronson emphasized the importance of fair compacts with tribal nations such as the Senecas while ensuring they benefit local residents.

Last week, the Seneca Nation announced an agreement in principle for a new 20-year casino gaming compact, but no specific plans for gaming in Rochester were detailed. The State Assembly is expected to consider the gaming compact bill later this month.

Robert Duffy, president and CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, urged caution and waiting for official information before jumping to conclusions. Duffy, a former mayor of Rochester and one-time state lieutenant governor, emphasized the need for dialogue and approval from local leadership when deciding to establish a casino in any city or county. He noted that such discussions have not taken place regarding a casino or any other gaming facility, which seems unusual.

Despite being a sovereign nation, the Senecas have been considerate neighbors, engaging with local leadership and carefully considering their options.

Duffy stated that an updated compact is necessary as the state and the Seneca Nation have been at odds for several years. He added that it is a process, but it is highly unlikely that an agreement on a specific location in the city or county has been reached.

Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart announced her intention to submit a memorializing resolution, urging Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature to oppose allowing a casino in Monroe County as part of a new gaming compact with the Seneca Nation. Barnhart’s resolution argues that casinos do not create new wealth, employment, or tourism and calls for an independent study on the potential effects of a casino on Rochester and Monroe County.

Edited by: @MaiaDigital www.zonadeazar.com