Pataki praises Justice Dept.
Aug. 5, 2001

By KELLY HASSETT
Observer-Dispatch

WHITESTOWN — Gov. George E. Pataki touched down at the Oneida County Airport Saturday to talk about a promise from the U.S. government regarding the Oneida land claim.

The U.S. Justice Department announced Friday it will no longer seek the homes or money of private landowners as damages in any of the state’s Indian land-claim cases.

The governor called this move “tremendous,” and specifically thanked U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft for his work on the issue.

“We will continue to stand with the property owners to make sure they are protected,” Pataki said to the crowd gathered in Saturday’s stifling heat.

The Oneidas are suing Oneida and Madison counties and New York state over 250,000 acres the Indians claim the state illegally took from them 150 to 200 years ago.

Oneida County Legislator William Croll, R-Vernon, said Pataki’s assurance is a huge step for the landowners.

“(It’s good) for the government to fly in and address that issue, and not just out of Albany,” he said.

Oneida County Executive Ralph J. Eannace Jr. said the announcement is a step in “protecting innocent parties” in the land claim area.

“What’s most important is the willingness of our federal government to follow the governor’s request,” he said.

Pataki also talked about the back-and-forth regarding the $79.6 billion spending plan the state Legislature adopted early Friday, a budget Pataki says has obvious holes in a number of areas.

“Enough is enough,” Pataki said. “This is not a baseline budget.”

The budget has no funds for economic development initiatives or environmental protection, Pataki said, and he urged state legislators to get back to work.

“We don’t have the authority to move ahead with grants,” he said. “They should come back today and fix the problem.”

Pataki said the Legislature was trying to force him “to come back and spend billions more than the state can afford.”

“I am not going to do that,” he said. “The leadership in Albany better get that message.”

On a different note, Pataki congratulated local officials, particularly Rome Mayor Joe Griffo, on the success of the Empire State Games.

Pataki said he felt the Games were well planned and well executed.

“I’m pleased to know it’s gotten that kind of recognition,” Griffo said.