Cayugas Elect Interim Government; First Elected Government in Cayuga Nation's History.

HAMBURG, N.Y. -- The Cayuga Nation of New York today made history by electing a provisional governing council. The Cayuga Nation Council is the first elected government ever for the Cayuga people and ushers in a new era of solidarity for the Cayuga Nation. "This is an historic moment for our people. They have voted overwhelmingly for this new government, by a 2 to 1 margin. Now we can start building a better future for all Cayugas," said newly elected Council Member Gary Wheeler.

The election was managed by TrueBallot, Inc., an experienced and highly reputable national firm that has helped many of the country's major organizations and groups, including the American Bar Association and the AFL-CIO, elect their leadership. The firm used digital verification techniques as well as a visual auditing system open to any interested observer to ensure a fair and accurate count of all ballots. "Our elections are completely transparent. For all our elections, including this one, everybody who wants to can see how all the ballots were counted," said TrueBallot representative John Seibel. The firm certified the tally in favor with 64% of voters marking yes.

The New Government

Nation members elected a slate of four candidates to the Council. The new council members are Gary Wheeler and Timothy Twoguns of the Turtle clan, and Michael Wheeler and Malcolm "Sonny" Wheeler of the Heron clan (the Wheelers are not known to be related). The new council members said they will work hard to get the input of all Nation members, and set up elections for a permanent governing council. "A voice for all Cayugas and accountability, that's our pledge to Nation members," Gary Wheeler stated.

The first order of business for the new government will be to set up a more open and responsive means for Cayugas to communicate with their new representatives. "The goal is to get everyone all the information so they can make informed decisions about the future of the Nation," said Gary Wheeler. Then the council members can begin to confront the challenges facing the Nation, including protecting Nation businesses, completing the land claim settlement with the State of New York and bringing to fruition the Nation's development agreement with Empire Resorts {NASDAQ:NYNY} which allows for the construction of the Cayuga Catskill Resort at Monticello Raceway.

A Long Road to Unity

As they begin to move the Nation forward on these important matters, the council members will have to make up for lost time. Events are already in motion that threaten the Nation's interests.

In March, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in favor of the town of Sherrill in its case against the Oneida Nation. The decision denied the Oneidas, and other nations like the Cayugas, the ability to buy land and convert it to sovereign territory. The decision thus effectively voided the land claims settlement negotiated last year with the state of New York. The settlement compensated the Nation with reparations, rights to build a casino in the Catskills and free tuition for members in the SUNY system, but now these concessions will have to be renegotiated. The Sherrill decision has also endangered the viability of existing Nation businesses, allowing them to be put on state and local tax rolls.

Faced with these threats and opportunities affecting the Nation's future prosperity, Nation members realized that clear and decisive action was required. A survey taken last month found that the top priority for Cayugas was to have their nation speak "with one voice." Now, with the Council in place, the Cayugas of New York will finally be able to realize that goal.

Experienced Balloting Firm Manages a Smooth Election

TrueBallot Inc. was chosen to manage the election on the merits of its excellent reputation for transparency, accuracy and strict impartiality: the firm utilizes multi-level security systems, uses both digital and visual auditing techniques to ensure fairness, and most important, has no stake one way or another in the outcome of the election. In addition to TrueBallot's high-tech verification and auditing procedures, the firm's ability to collect ballots from around the country was also a crucial advantage. "We wanted to make sure all Nation members, including the ones who live outside of New York State, have a voice in determining our future," said Gary Wheeler. Approximately one third of New York Cayugas live out-of-state. After the polling closed on 1 pm on Wednesday, TrueBallot certified the election in favor of the measure.

The text of the ballot question asked voters to approve the creation of a provisional Cayuga Nation Council authorized to set policies for the nation by referendum and to conduct the business of the nation, including land claims negotiations. The ballot also requires the Provisional Council to organize elections for a permanent government within one year.