Intense, emotional Legislators meeting expected

By By JOLEEN FERRIS

Story Created: May 13, 2009 at 11:20 AM EST

Story Updated: May 13, 2009 at 11:21 AM EST

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Oneida County leaders are bracing for what could be an intense, emotional Board of Legislators meeting Wednesday afternoon.

Normally, one or two people will call ahead for floor time to speak on certain issues. 26 people are signed up to speak about the county's proposed 'partnership plan' with the Oneida Nation.

Board of Legislators Chairman Gerald Fiorini says decorum won't just be expected; it will be demanded at Wednesday's meeting.

"I'm going to demand decorum today because the last meeting I was absent was kind of nasty. No personal attacks on anyone. I mean obviously it's a personal, high-energy topic, but no, no personal attacks. I'll stop it right there and then".

Fiorini says speakers will have the floor for three to four minutes. He says Wednesday's meeting is expected to run much longer than usual. Fiorini says public input matters--especially since many legislators are still reviewing the finer points of the proposed partnership plan. Right now, though, he says the vote is looking very close to party lines. Republicans currently hold a slim 15-14 majority.

The board will vote on the plan at their May 27th meeting.
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