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Cayuga Member Changes Mind

ALBANY, New York – As reported by the Albany Times-Union: "In the latest twist involving a proposed casino at Monticello Raceway, a New York Cayuga tribal member who signed a deal for the gambling project is now railing against it. Clint Halftown, who also arranged to end a nearly $258 million land claim judgment against the state as part of the casino deal, announced Monday that he is walking away from all agreements he signed with the state and the project's developer, Empire Resorts. He blamed Empire for failing to get federal agreements needed for the casino.

"The contract with Empire was supposed to expire after Dec. 31, 2004, and Halftown said it won't be renewed.

"He also said the tribe won't settle a $257.9 million judgment against the state because Gov. George Pataki is allowing out-of-state tribes the opportunity to get gaming compacts in exchange for land claim settlements -- including the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma, which shares the land claim judgment with the Cayugas.

"Two sources close to the Cayugas say the Oneida Nation of New York pressured Halftown to break his deals with the state and Empire.

"…Charles Degliomini, a spokesman for Empire Resorts, said Halftown's actions are 'bizarre' and won't be taken seriously. Just last week, he said, a tribal official extended the exclusive contract between the Cayugas and Empire Resorts for casino development for another six months. Tribal Council member Gary Wheeler signed the letter…"

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