UTICA, N.Y. - The Republican members of the Oneida County Board of Legislators today announced that they will not support County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr.'s "Oneida Nation Partnership Plan."

After careful review of the plan, listening to public reaction, and receiving legal advice regarding current court actions with the Oneida's, it was the decision of the Republican Caucus that the plan in its current form was not in the County's best interests.

Majority Leader David Wood listed the following as some of the areas of concern:

1. The need for including a future annual revenue stream

2. The collection of sales tax, or in the absence of state action, the consideration of an agreement to collect the local sales taxes

3. A congressionally instituted cap on trust lands

4. There is a general concern that the proposed language is in need of additional clarification and amendment

Wood stated that "many residents have expressed their support for negotiation rather than the continuation of the County's costly $12 million dollar legal battle. But he noted that unfortunately the County Executive has refused to try to rework the proposed deal and it left the Republican Legislators with no option but to reject the current proposal as deficient."

"The County Executive took a risk in bringing this document forward, and he should be commended for his fortitude. We feel that this is a step in the right direction, and should be used as a stepping stone to move negotiations forward. The members of our caucus took their time to hear from their constituents on the merits of the deal, and the public has been overwhelmingly against the terms of this agreement. Therefore, we are recommending that the document in front of Ways and Means be defeated." stated Majority Leader David Wood.

The Legislation is scheduled to be considered at the Ways and Means Committee meeting on Wednesday, May 27, 2009