NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. – On the heels of tense budget discussions at Niagara Falls City Hall, on Saturday, elected leaders not often seen together since the Seneca casino slot revenue controversy started got together for a holiday celebration.
Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster and Seneca President Todd Gates lit the Seneca Niagara Casino Christmas tree together in front of the casino.
"Todd Gates and I have good relations personally, and we always have,” Dyster said. “It's just that he represents the Seneca Nation of Indians, I represent the City of Niagara Falls, Andrew Cuomo represent the State of New York in…what has become a pretty contentious affair regarding the casino revenues.”
Dyster points out they both still have a mutual economic interest in bringing people to downtown Niagara Falls.
The Senecas stopped paying New York State slot money because they maintain their compact to do so ended after 2016. The state says that's not the case.
Dyster is hopeful the terms of this arbitration are simpler than the one that occurred in the early 2000s.
"So it could be resolved relatively quickly, and the sooner that that's resolved, the sooner we can all get on with our business,” Dyster said.
Channel 2’s Erica Brecher had the chance to ask Gates himself how the arbitration is going.
“It's not going anywhere right now. I mean, the panel is still getting seating, and once that gets done, there's still a time frame for them,” Gates said. “We're going to wait for it to take its course.”
Still, both the City and Senecas want to maintain a good relationship.
“Do you hope that you guys lighting the tree together sends a message that these two entities are still in good faith partners?” 2 On Your Side asked Dyster.
“Well yeah, I hope it does, and I want to make it very clear to our friends at New York State that were lighting a Christmas tree in conjunction with the Seneca Nation of Indians and our other partners downtown is not an attempt on our party to start a back-channel negotiation,” Dyster said. “We remain confident in the state's position in the arbitration.”
A Seneca Nation spokesperson pointed out that it’s not the Senecas' responsibility to monitor how Niagara Falls spends its money.
"Is there any part of you that feels a little bad about the financial troubles this is causing the City of Niagara Falls?” 2 On Your Side asked Gates.
“Well, we have our own financial troubles. Our revenues are downs,” Gates said. “We all have to work our budgets and make it work for our communities. I have the Seneca nation to worry about, Mayor Dyster has the City to worry about, and the Governor, he has a little to do with it, so we'll have to wait for his word.”