Story Created:
May 13, 2009 at 9:50 PM EST
Story Updated:
May 14, 2009 at 9:37 AM EST
UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Normally public comment periods at the Oneida County Legislature meetings are fairly quiet. Wednesday, however, they were not.
28 people spoke before the board, telling their representatives why they do, and do not want this deal approved.
The crowd was overwhelmingly in favor of the Partnership Plan. That may be because over 100 employees from the Oneida Indian Nation were bused in for the meeting. However, the few that were in attendance, opposing this plan, were just as vocal.
"It is being said this costly litigation has had no results, and that this agreement moves the county forward. And that is absolutely absurd." said Scott Peterman, a resident of Canastota.
Those who oppose the agreement, like Peterman, say the Partnership Plan is not enough. "It doesn't address anything, it doesn't address the land claim, it doesn't address the taxation issues, it surely doesn't address the land into trust." said Peterman.
While Peterman, and the two dozen or so other opponents of the deal spoke up, those who welcome the plan say it's time to move on.
"Isn't 16 years long enough to keep paying the piper to play the same tune? It doesn't end, it doesn't change, it just drags on and on lawsuit after lawsuit." said Oneida Indian Nation Employee Renee Stawarski. "For many years all we have heard is that we want a level playing field. Well now that opportunity is here."
Oneida Indian Nation CEO, Ray Halbritter, says the deal is more than just about money. "Who is creating jobs? Who's knocking on doors to come here to upstate New York? But we can do it, we know how to create jobs. We created five thousand," said Halbritter.
Those who oppose the plan, and have power to potentially stop it, like Oneida County Legislative Minority Leader Michael Hennessy, say they will. "Right now the course of action is to end this deal and then see if we can pick up the pieces in a way that means a more level playing field for Oneida County," Hennessy said.
The Oneida County Legislature will vote on the Partnership Plan May 27th. If they vote it down the deal is done. If the deal is approved, the New York State Legislature will still need to reach a deal with the nation regarding sales taxes.
