Indian Gaming

Weighing the pros and cons of an expansion of non-Indian gaming in New York and the potential impact on the Oneida Nation, Robert Cardillo thinks the city of Utica should work with the tribe on other economic development projects:

Our region has two casinos — Vernon and Turning Stone. Turning Stone is the largest employer in Oneida County. Many Utica residents work there. We should not compete with industry that employees our citizens. The administration is misguided.

Utica should reach out to the Oneida Indian Nation and form a partnership. The city needs investment. It needs a deep pocket. The deepest pocket in the region is the Nation. The mayor should forge a relationship with this economic development engine. Our region has a wealth of Native American and Revolutionary War history. Develop a plan with the Nation. The Mohawk Valley shares in their rich Native American history.

Robert Palmieri thinks the city is the right place for a non-Indian casino:

No upstate city is better situated to fulfill Gov. Cuomo’s objective.

I am a relentless advocate for the natural and man-made gifts that belong to Utica and the Mohawk Valley. I have always been mindful of the advantages afforded to us by virtue of being at the foothills of the Adirondacks. Our location, infrastructure and aggressiveness make Harbor Point a logical location for a casino whose purpose is to rebuild the upstate economy by attracting downstate dollars.

Get the Story:
ROBERT CARDILLO: Harbor casino/CON: Cardillo says it's a bad gamble (The Utica Observer-Dispatch 3/3)
ROBERT PALMIERI: Harbor casino/PRO: Palmieri says it's too good to pass up (The Utica Observer-Dispatch 3/3)

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