CATTARAUGUS TERRITORY - Cochise Redeye has announced he will run for Seneca Nation President as an independent candidate in the Nov. 6 general election.
Redeye, is a former Seneca Nation Councilor, former Seneca Gaming Corporation Chair, and former Erie County detective.
"After much consideration and contemplation I have decided to run for President of the Seneca Nation of Indians as an independent candidate. We, as a Nation and as a People, are facing difficult times. The constant assault from NYS and the federal government combined with the rapid erosion of our language and culture has made the future of the Seneca Nation perilously uncertain," said Redeye.
Redeye says he was prompted to enter the presidential race after witnessing the deep divisions in Council, ethical lapses among Council members, and his growing concern over the prolonged paralysis that has plagued the Nation's government. "I will work hard to restore the integrity of the Nation government. Many people have lost faith in our Nation government and its ability to function properly. It will be my personal duty to see that the People of the Seneca Nation will once again have a government they can respect and have faith in."
Further factoring into his run as an independent is the nature of party politics at the Nation, which, he says has only served to further divide the Seneca people. "I would like to offer the Seneca people a healthy alternative to the bitterness that comes with party politics. The fracturing of families and friends due to the political upheaval we are currently experiencing only serves to further divide our people," said Redeye. "I seek to get my message across without all the party distractions."
Redeye says that if elected he will also work to rebuild relations with local communities. "This election will not only be important to the citizens of the Seneca Nation but also to our friends in the regions surrounding our territories. Our future is intertwined with that of our neighbors, and I will work to repair relationships and create stronger partnerships."
Cochise Redeye can be contacted at 525-5160.
