County needs better deal with Cayugas

Judging from what residents at public hearings, officials in affected towns and villages, and even a few county legislators have been saying, it seems clear that Cayuga and Seneca county lawmakers should not approve the proposed land claim/land-in-trust settlements with the Cayuga Indian Nation of New York.

Each county is scheduled to vote on the deals next week, basically a month after a surprise settlement proposal was first made public.

The reasons outlined by settlement opponents are valid. This deal gives away far too much to the tribe, it puts municipalities and school districts at considerable risk of losing a fifth of their tax base, and it leverages any returns to the counties on the financial viability of a casino.