Editor, OBSERVER:
With all due respect to Robert Odawi Porter, Seneca Nation president, he is stating his opinions, not facts, in an article in the Dec. 7 Buffalo News.
In particular, with regard to the establishment of Vegas-style casinos in New York state, he claims the proceeds of these casinos will go to shareholders in Vegas and Asia. Nothing could be further from the truth with regard to Western Regional Off Track Betting, which owns and operates Batavia Downs Racetrack and Casino.
As a public benefit corporation, we send 51 cents on each dollar earned to the state. Our 15 counties are shareholders, and according to population, receive a check from WROTB. To date, Chautauqua County has received more than $8 million since its inception.
While I cannot speak for Buffalo Raceway or Finger Lakes, as director for Chautauqua County, if we are accorded the right to compete with native casinos on an even playing field, many more dollars will be returned to New York state and our respective counties.
ROGER RUCKMAN,
Fredonia,
OTB board member,
Chautauqua County
