UTICA - The federal government is still reviewing the tax and the land claim situations the Oneida Indian Nation faces. Meantime, Mike Hennessy, an Oneida County Legislator has re-formed an Ad-Hoc Indian Affairs Committee.

Now because Jerry Fiorini, the chairman of the Oneida County Board of Legislators, won't set this committee up, it's not official.

"Our goal is not just to educate legislators but the entire community and how it affects them," Hennessy said.

Hennessy says there has been a void in the past six months between elected officials and tax payers when it comes to issues surrounding the Oneida Indian Nation.

"It is to make sure any settlement that does come down, that it makes sense," Hennessy said. "That it meets the standards to show there is a level playing field for our business community."

There already is an Indian Affairs Committee, but Hennessy says it's inactive. What makes the new group different is members of the community can contribute.

Hennessy has called upon the Citizens Equal Rights Alliance or CERA, to do research and be a liaison for the community.

"I supply information, I attend meetings before the Oneida County Board frequently," said Judy Bachmann, National Chair of CERA.

When asked if the Indian Nation will play a role on this new committee, Hennessy says he hopes to extend a hand to nation officials in the future.

But again, because the Chairman of the Oneida County Board of Legislators didn't set this committee up, it is not an official committee.

The first meeting of this Ad-Hoc Indian Affairs Committee is scheduled for January 16t at 2:30 at the Oneida County Office Building.