Assemblyman Townsend and several Oneida County legislators challenge Federal Land into Trust decision

Story Created: Jun 4, 2008 at 11:20 AM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 4, 2008 at 5:25 PM EDT

Assemblyman David Townsend welcomed Wednesday the support of several Oneida County legislators in opposing the Department of Interior’s May 20 decision to place over 13,000 acres into federal
trust, a move that, if left unchallenged in court, could result in land
spanning two counties being placed beyond the reach of local and state
taxing power as well as environmental oversight.

The filing deadline to challenge this unprecedented usurpation of state sovereignty and review is June 19.

“I am glad to be joined once again by lawmakers such as Michael
Hennessy, representatives who realize the crisis situation Oneida County will find itself in should this thoughtless land grab by the federal
government be allowed to push ahead unimpeded,” said Townsend. “We look forward to the courts deciding in favor of established state law; the rights of residents, especially seniors and schoolchildren, against arbitrary displacement; and New York’s taxpayers, who are owed at least $500 million in back taxes, according to a study commissioned by the University of Rochester’s Simon School of Business.”

Oneida County legislators lined up in support of a court challenge,
including Hennessy. “It is time to move this issue out of negotiations
and into the court room,” said the 2^nd District lawmaker.

Chad Davis, Oneida County’s Legislator from the 18^th District, said,
“We have a federal government invasion of state sovereign lands and the window of opportunity to respond as a matter of law is closing down. Article 10 of state law mandates that the governor defend this hijacking of State jurisdiction.”

“I will feel much better about the process once we have met the deadline for filing, so that I know the process will be halted and the courts can finally decide on this issue,” commented Michael Clancy, Oneida County Legislator, 12^th District.

James D’Onofrio, a 15^th District Oneida County Legislator said, “The
Governor must utilize the full resources of this state and have the
motion filed within the 30 day deadline.”
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