Both men were at the Mohawks' Akwesasne Reservation yesterday on the Canadian border in Hogansburg, N.Y. Gus McDonald, the tribe's executive director, and the six chiefs who signed the agreement also did not return telephone calls. The tribal clerk, Carol Herne, and a former Mohawk chief, Barbara Lazore, both said they were appalled by the deal with Park Place. The two women said they confronted Mr. Goldberg yesterday at a restaurant on the reservation, where he was meeting with the tribal leaders. I don't believe they're here to help the Monticello project. It'd be the No. 1 competition to Atlantic City.
Casino gambling is unconstitutional in New York, but sovereign Indian lands are an exception.
The Monticello casino plan is now awaiting approval by Gov. George E. Pataki and, possibly, the Legislature. But even as Mr. Berman's application was approved in Washington, Mohawk tribal leaders were being wooed in secret by Mr. Goldberg and his adviser, Mr. D'Amato, according to tribal executives, rival casino operators and Catskill Development. We'll need to review the document closely. It appears to have some significant implications. Mr. D'Amato, a longtime adviser to Mr. Goldberg, is also close to the governor.