Seneca Nation deal with Rochester casino developer draws OTB complaint to state ethics panel
By James M. Odato
Albany
A Rochester developer with intentions of building an Indian casino near Rochester and a commercial casino in the Albany area could face a probe by the state ethics agency after an OTB threatened by his plans filed a complaint on Tuesday.
Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp.'s submission to the Joint Commission on Public Ethics accuses David Flaum, the Seneca Nation of Indians, and the Seneca Gaming Corp. of violating state lobbying laws. The complaint focuses on a success-fee contract — first reported by the Times Union in August — in which Flaum would receive a payment from the tribe if he builds a Seneca casino in Monroe County.
The complaint said Flaum has engaged in unregistered lobbying activities and has accepted employment with a contingent-based fee from the Seneca in violation of the Lobbying Act.
Flaum and representatives of the Seneca declined comment.
The OTB, which represents 17 municipalities from Buffalo to Rochester, is concerned about Flaum's agreement with the Seneca to be the developer of a major project in Henrietta in Monroe County. It is near Flaum's headquarters and within the Batavia-based OTB market. The tribe hopes to expand its three-casino franchise with a fourth gaming hall in Monroe County.
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Seneca-Nation-deal-with-Rochester-casino-5246592.php