Many of you asked me about the proposed use of the tribal-state compact revenues generated by the Seneca Niagara Casino and my position on this matter. It is my opinion that the City of Niagara Falls' minimum 25 percent share of the state's portion of casino revenues must be expended within our city's limits. We do not want the use of these funds dictated by Albany. Also I believe it is the responsibility of our state representatives to maximize the expenditure of the remaining 75 percent within Niagara Falls.
When the Indian casino opened its doors, our city gave up 50 prime acres of downtown land. Land that -- if state-sanctioned gaming had been approved for Niagara Falls instead -- would have held taxable development: a casino, hotels, attractions, restaurants, etc.
Loss of those 50 prime acres has translated into loss of real property tax, bed tax and sales tax. Additionally, our city has had to shoulder the increased burden upon our fire and police services, infrastructure and overall quality of life. It was for just this reason that New York State and the Seneca Nation agreed that "the host municipality should be compensated to be able to adjust to the economic development expected to result from the gaming facilities."
The resulting legislation under which the casino revenues were to be distributed requires that a minimum of 25 percent of the state's share of the casino revenues be disbursed to the city of Niagara Falls. It was based on these publicly made assurances from our governor and state representatives that the gaming compact and Seneca Niagara Casino received the support of our residents.
But some of our state representatives who formerly opposed casino gaming altogether have now changed their stance on compensating Niagara Falls.
How should our casino revenue be put to work? I unveiled a plan during the mayoral campaign that explained just how this should be done. It would be put to work to improve infrastructure, public safety and quality of life in our city. Believe me, as your mayor, I know what we need to improve things here in Niagara Falls. And throughout the casino revenue listening tour, I heard loud and clear how the residents of this city wish to put that casino money to work.
To this end, I ask that the Casino Commission be fashioned in a manner which:
Most importantly, our state representatives, USA Niagara and the Casino Commission should assist the City of Niagara Falls in developing a city/state agreement that obtains for the city the maximum percentage available to it from the Seneca Nation.
The citizens of Niagara Falls have placed the fate of our city in my administration's hands while giving me an overwhelming mandate. I take this responsibility too seriously to allow the local share of casino revenue to be used to subsidize anything other than local initiatives. On behalf of the residents of Niagara Falls, I ask that our state representatives, USA Niagara and the Casino Commission help us in maximizing the amount of casino revenues earmarked to aid the city of Niagara Falls. The decisions made today will affect the future of our city for decades to come.
| Niagara Falls Reporter | www.niagarafallsreporter.com | December 16 2003 |