By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The financial condition of the Seneca Nation of Indians has surfaced as a campaign issue for the Seneca's Tribal Council November elections.
Just as area politicians are campaigning for the fall elections, so are members of the Seneca Nation.
Seneca clerk Jackie Bowen appeared in Buffalo Monday to announced that she is seeking the nomination to run for treasurer against Maurice John. John currently serves as Seneca president. Bowen is calling for a full accounting of casino profits and debt. She says the Nation has many financial components that need to be disclosed.
Bowen says tribal members have a right to know the full status of casino finances. She says since the Seneca's halted construction at the Buffalo and Allegany casino sites a few weeks ago, rumors have been flying, and there are a number of unanswered questions.
Seneca president John would not offer a comment, but a member of the Nation noted that the Seneca's are required to make complete financial disclosures of profit and losses on a quarterly basis. Those financial statements are filed with the Security and Exchange Commission.
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