2 years ago
It's been more than two weeks since a federal judge ruled gambling can not take place on Seneca Nation Indian land in Buffalo. But now, the future of the sight is more uncertain than ever.
The Seneca Nation has not stopped construction or gambling in the Cobblestone District, and opponents have gone back to the judge all in hopes he will enforce his ruling.
There's another court hearing scheduled for next month. At the same time, we've learned more about the local foundation funding the effort to close the casino.
Joel Rose heads up Citizens Against Casino Gambling in Erie County, the group that's trying to stop a permanent casino from coming to Buffalo. The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation bankrolls that group's legal efforts. According to tax documents, the Wendt Foundation bought stock from Harrah's Entertainment, a company that owns and operates casinos all over the country.
The Wendt Foundation bought the stock in 2003 and sold it in 2006, profiting more than $2 million.
2 On Your Side spoke with a trustee from the Wendt Foundation, Bob Kresse. He declined an interview but did say, "Our stocks are chosen by a professional investor out of New York City." He added, "We never made the decision if gambling is good or bad."
This, after funding a group that told anyone who would listen how negative they believe a casino is for a community.
"My reaction to that is it shouldn't come as a surprise to anybody because their position has never been they're against gambling," said Joel Rose. "They've always told me and they've told anybody who asked, they're against the casino in Buffalo."
"Is that hypocritical," 2 On Your Side's Josh Boose asked Rose.
"I don't think it's hypocritical," Rose replied. "They're funding something that crosses a line for them and they believe a casino would be harmful to the City of Buffalo and so do I."
2 On Your Side asked Rose if the Wendt Foundation would continue to pay his group's legal fees on this issue. He said the foundation gives every indication of doing so.
The Seneca Nation of Indians had no comment on this report.
WGRZ-TV/wgrz.com
