Years of land dispute takes toll on those involved
Feb. 16, 2002

By JENNIFER WARNICK
Observer-Dispatch

Three years ago, Maryann Anderson was in Washington, D.C., trying to raise awareness about the Oneida land-claim dispute on behalf of Verona citizens.

“Three days I was walking up and down through the (U.S.) Senate handing out packets about what was happening here,” she said. “I told them ‘We need help.’”

At the time, Anderson, 66, was a Verona councilwoman. Through the years, she’s had a unique perspective on the land claim — that of a politician, and that of a long time resident.

She said she thinks about the dispute every day.

“I live where every piece of land around me, except one neighbor, has become Indian land,” she said. “I live here. Of course it affects me.”

She has lived in the same “little, old farmhouse” on almost two acres for 43 years. And despite the fact that she is no longer a councilwoman, she still worries.

She worries about the jurisdiction of infrastructure upkeep — who will take care of the roads around her house? She worries about the land claim becoming a tax burden for local and state residents and federal taxpayers. And, she worries about what has happened to the little town of Verona.

“It’s a different place now,” she said. “This used to be a nice, little quiet town. Now look what’s happened.”

Clifford and Joyce Kitchen, who own more than 400 acres of dairy farmland on Skinner Road in Vernon Center, said the land claim has never really been an issue for them.

“Personally, I think they’ve lived here first. But in my lifetime, they’ve lived here and lived on our roads and highways ... so why can’t they pay for it too?” he said. “I don’t see how they can have a nation inside of a nation.”

Kitchen is even looking to expand — he’s in the process of buying 150 acres to add to his property. And no one, not the bank or other buyers, is too concerned about the Oneida land dispute.

“In the buying process, it’s never come up or been an issue,” he said. “Maybe down the road it will be a problem.”

“But it doesn’t pay to worry,” he added.

Anderson said the stress has also taken a toll on many people’s relationships, in one way or another.

“Truthfully, there’s been neighbors fighting among themselves — one supports the Indians, one doesn’t. Even family members are fighting,” she said.

Oneida County Executive Ralph Eannace said he, too, spent a lot of personal time and energy on the land-claim dispute. And at times, frustration, he said.

“Sometimes a great deal of frustration. But it comes with the job,” he said.

Oneida Nation member Margaret Splain declined comment Sunday evening on how the land-claim has affected her. Dick Lynch, the Nation’s assistant chief of staff, also declined comment. Oneida Nation spokesman Mark Emery could not be reached.