COUNTY OF ONEIDA

COUNTY OF MADISON

Ralph J. Eannace, Jr.
ONEIDA COUNTY EXECUTIVE 
County Office Building
800 Park Avenue
Utica, NY 13501-2976
Phone (315) 798-5800
Fax (315) 798-2390

Rocco Di Veronica
CHAIRMAN
County Office Building
N. Court Street
Wampsville, NY 13163-0635
Phone (315)366-2201
Fax (315) 366-2502

Wednesday, April 11, 2001

Oneida County Executive Ralph J. Eannace, Jr. and Madison County Board of Supervisors Chairman Rocco J. DiVeronica today said that Oneida and Madison Counties will take a cautious approach in the wake of a state Supreme Court decision that invalidates existing gaming compacts with New York’s Indian nations.

They also said the decision might be the catalyst needed to change the long-standing deadlock over the Oneida Indian Nation's land claim.

"The impacts of this decision are totally unknown until we see the results of the court decisions on expected applications for stays and appeals," DiVeronica and Eannace said. "However, this decision may give the people of Central New York a sorely needed new opportunity for a comprehensive resolution of the land claim. That is what we, as Counties, must pursue."

The ruling by state Supreme Court Justice Joseph C. Teresi said that under New York law, gaming compacts with Indian nations must be ratified by the New York State Legislature. The Court's ruling said that any tribal-state gaming compact signed by a governor is void without legislative approval.

"New York State has already indicated it will appeal the decision," DiVeronica said. "This is one more issue that will be added to all the others surrounding the Oneida Indian Nation, their land claim, and their enterprises."

"The fact that this decision, if upheld, could mean the closing of the Turning Stone Casino makes it all the more imperative that the Oneida Indian Nation and all parties return to the negotiating table," Eannace said. "What we need is a comprehensive, fair agreement that will resolve all of the concerns around the Oneidas, their land claim, and their claim to tax-free status."

The Counties' leaders spoke after meeting with attorneys who are representing their Counties in the land claim action.

DiVeronica and Eannace said they will continue to monitor the actions of the Oneidas and the state in the coming days -- in and out of court -- and will respond accordingly.

"Our role in this is what it has been from the start -- to protect the welfare of our communities and our citizens," DiVeronica and Eannace said. "We will stay on top of the situation and keep our residents informed about how this decision will affect them."