By Mark Wozniak
Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, NY – Opponents to Seneca-operated casinos in Western New York are saying that there is not enough time to prepare for the May 14th referendum on the issue announced this weekend. The Senecas Against Casinos says it will campaign to overturn the agreement, saying it could damage the Seneca Nation's sovereignity if approved.
Spokeswoman Susan Abrams says voters on the tribe's two reservations in Western New York won't have enough time to examine the 800-page compact. She says tribal leaders are attempting to "shove" the casino compact with the state down the throats of the Seneca people.
Abrams says the casino deal will compromise Seneca sovereignty and will benefit special interests while providing little or nothing to most members of the tribe.
But Seneca Nation president Cyrus Schindler, praises the deal as a way to make a better way of life for his tribe.