If interested in working with region, why fight?

Since it became clear last summer that a land-claim settlement proposal struck between Gov. George Pataki and the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma had fizzled, the tribe has put on a charming face here in Cayuga County.

Led by recently elected chief Paul Spicer, the Seneca-Cayugas in August paid $70,000 in back taxes on tribe-owned land in Aurelius and Montezuma. About a month later, they began courting support from local officials for a proposed casino complex in Sennett they say would employ thousands and pump hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy.

In January, the tribe paid its tax bills on time. And last month, it came to the Sennett Town Board to pitch its entertainment complex, and spoke of the desire to become partners in economic development with local officials.