IRVING, N.Y. — Businessman and Seneca Nation Councilor J.C. Seneca is announcing his candidacy for Seneca Nation President.
Seneca, who owns a business in Irving, says he is running because he wants to unify the Nation.
“I am running as a member of the Seneca Party for the office of President because the people of our Nation are being excluded from the process of our government,” Seneca said in a release. “Historically, members of our community have been appointed to various government committees to meet on issues, make recommendations to the Council, and be part of the decision-making process. With the many critical issues facing our Nation, such as the unresolved Class III Gaming Compact with New York State, continually rising drug and alcohol addictions, and the trafficking of illegal drugs in and around our territories, we need to unify and work together to provide a safer community for all our people.”
Seneca, who has served in various roles within the Nation, also founded JC Seneca Foundation. The foundation says its mission is to advance healthy living for the Seneca Nation people and surrounding communities.
“I am launching this campaign for one reason,” Seneca said. “I want to help the people of the Seneca Nation. While many become involved with government for power and money, my purpose is to do all I can to lead the Nation with a vision of unifying us and improving our quality of life. It is what I have done as a private citizen, in times of turmoil among our people, and throughout our many conflicts with New York State. It is what I have done as a Councilor through my four decades of public service. It is what I will do as Seneca Nation President: give every effort to inspire our people to believe in and build trust in the government of our Nation, so we can work together for a better future for us all.”
The current president of the Seneca Nation is Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr.
The Seneca Party Caucus to nominate all candidates will take place on Friday, Sept. 20 at Seneca Fire on Route 438 on the Seneca Nation Cattaraugus Territory, and at Seneca Fire on the Allegany Territory in Jimersontown. Polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.