As the attorney for the town of Aurelius and the incoming attorney for county government, David O'Connor might be the most influential legal strategist as far as the Seneca-Cayugas' new bingo hall in Aurelius is concerned. The Seneca-Cayugas have started site preparation and show no signs of seeking building permits, as required for most developers before actual construction begins. Local officials, meanwhile, are unsure how the tribe will respond to concerns about payments for government services. O'Connor, 51, answered questions on the subject this week, as well as questions about his role as lawyer for other municipalities and as personal attorney for county Legislature Chairman Ray Lockwood, R-Aurelius.

Q: What can we expect to happen with the Seneca-Cayugas as they move forward with the bingo hall? They say they have the right to build the hall, without getting building permits or other approvals, because they are a sovereign nation.

A: It's not illegal to plow snow with a bulldozer and, at the appropriate time, if they get to the point where the work they are doing requires a permit, I will give legal advice to the town (of Aurelius). The Seneca-Cayugas are saying they don't need approval. But what the town is thinking is, how do we know that? The Bureau of Indian Affairs, in a letter to Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, says the Seneca-Cayugas of Oklahoma aren't a recognized tribe in New York and can't exercise political control. They're under the control of town laws.

Q: What will you advise the town to do?

A: I think we'll take any steps necessary, including considering taking action in the form of a stop-work order, if we think they need a permit.

Q: They think they're sovereign. What happens if the town issues a stop work order, and they ignore it?

A: If they do that, the town could consider getting a court order. No final decisions have been made at this point.

Q: How does one person representing different municipalities, and different levels of government, work?

A: There are a lot of similarities on the county, town and village level, and with school and fire districts. The first thing I did when I was offered the county attorney's job, because I am for full, open disclosure, was to speak to the mayor of Weedsport and the supervisors Aurelius and Victory. I told them I would like to continue to represent them. If they didn't think it was appropriate, they could get another attorney and that would be fine, but they asked me to continue to represent them.

Q: What if there was a conflict?

A: If the village, for instance, sued Cayuga County, I would not represent either municipality, and I would offer to help them find other counsel.

Q: You're also county Legislature Chairman Ray Lockwood's personal lawyer. Do you think that helped you get the county job?

A: My relationship with Ray, and not that I represent him, but we have worked together before. I did some assistant district attorney work, and I was assigned to his court when he was town justice in Aurelius. We got to know each other on a professional level. He knew how I worked and knew how he worked. We trusted each other. When he was looking for a county attorney, he knew me, and knew what I can do. I think I'm someone he feels comfortable with.

Q: How did you prepare for the county attorney slot?

A: I've been meeting a lot with Tom Stopyra, (the outgoing county attorney) and he's been great. He's left me every telephone number he has, and said I shouldn't hesitate to call him if I have questions. I am super excited about the job. My background and training, with 26 years of experience sets me up, well-qualified, to do this job.