Associated Press
ALBANY, N.Y — Republican Carl Paladino said Wednesday that if he becomes governor he would close down the Turning Stone casino in Central New York if the Oneida tribe doesn't provide more revenue to the state.
The Republican-Conservative nominee said he would give the tribe two weeks to start negotiations. If they don't work
The Oneida Nation responded that the federal government has jurisdiction and reaffirmed the compact in 2007. Any attempt to block access would be met with a lawsuit based on federal law, according to the Oneidas' statement.
The casino opened in 1993 under then-Gov. Mario Cuomo. His son, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, is Paladino's Democratic rival in the governor's race.
The tribe said 10,000 jobs depend on the casino and resort, which bring in $425 million a year in direct and indirect spending to Central New York. The tribe said in its statement that Paladino's threat shows he's unfit for office.
The casino draws thousands of players to the resort each year as one of the biggest industries in the long distressed region. Nearby businesses off the reservation have complained for years of unfair competition because many tribal gas stations and other stores do not have to pay taxes.
Andrew Cuomo had no immediate comment.
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AP Writer John Kekis contributed to this report from Syracuse, N.Y.
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