Post by blackcrowheart on Nov 7, 2006 15:20:57 GMT -5
Senate Candidate Merrick Wants End To Untaxed Indian Sales
PLATTSBURGH--Tackling a difficult issue, 45th District Senatorial candidate Tim Merrick will give a press conference on Thursday about several issues surrounding New York and Native American relations. Calling for an end to untaxed sales of cigarettes and gas to non-natives on reservations, Merrick said that, "Local retailers are being hit hard. It's not fair to have the local economy suffer. Beyond that, New York is losing up to $1 Billion in sales and excise taxes on cigarettes alone."
Merrick, a Democrat, is challenging incumbent Sen. Betty Little who was first elected in 2002.
Merrick will address the tax issue at two press conferences on Thursday, Nov. 2. At 9:00am, he will speak at the Warren County Democratic headquarters at Bay and Maple Streets in Glens Falls. At 11:45 am he will speak at the Clinton County Democratic headquarters at 5 Bridge Street in Plattsburgh, where he will also focus on the illegal occupation of the Ganienkeh Mohawks on state land in Altona without a federal reservation agreement.
"We need to resolve this issue," Merrick said, "but we need to find a solution that is fair for everyone." Merrick is in favor of exploring the federal recognition process for this tribe, which could result in sovereign lands.
"Whatever we do, it should be legal and equitable to all parties," he said. Currently, the Ganienkeh Mohawks occupy state lands illegally. Over the years, they have resorted to using guns to defend the lands. "Using the threat of violence is unacceptable--in this and all areas," Merrick said. "We have to resolve this situation." The state hopes to invest $4 million into a dam and pond that currently sits on land that the Mohawk tribe says is theirs. "This land is either State land or it is Mohawk land. It can't be both. If it is Mohawk land, why are we spending $4 million in taxpayer money?"
In addition to untaxed cigarette and gas sales now taking place at Ganienkeh, Merrick states "There is significant gambling without a compact with the State. Beyond this, they have been purchasing adjoining lands with the profits from their illegal gambling. They have refused to pay over $150,000.00 in property tax on these lands and the County Treasurer has been afraid to enforce the tax laws."
"Where has Betty Little been on this issue?" Merrick asks. "We have a complete breakdown in legal and moral conduct. People are living illegally on State land, making money on illegal gambling. They are protecting their encampment with shotguns, endangering local citizens, harming local business, and our State Senator has been completely AWOL."
In discussing how far-reaching this is, Merrick stressed, "NY State is $50 billion in debt, and needs the tax revenue. The local retailers are being undercut and losing significant business. The Mohawks need assurance that they have a home, and the residents of Altona need to know they can walk on State land without being shot."
According to Merrick, " It's time for real leadership in the North Country."
The 45th Senate District is comprised of Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Warren and Washington counties. 10-31-06
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed by anyone without the express written permission of the publisher. This article is copyright protected. Fair Use is not applicable.
© 2006 North Country Gazette
PLATTSBURGH--Tackling a difficult issue, 45th District Senatorial candidate Tim Merrick will give a press conference on Thursday about several issues surrounding New York and Native American relations. Calling for an end to untaxed sales of cigarettes and gas to non-natives on reservations, Merrick said that, "Local retailers are being hit hard. It's not fair to have the local economy suffer. Beyond that, New York is losing up to $1 Billion in sales and excise taxes on cigarettes alone."
Merrick, a Democrat, is challenging incumbent Sen. Betty Little who was first elected in 2002.
Merrick will address the tax issue at two press conferences on Thursday, Nov. 2. At 9:00am, he will speak at the Warren County Democratic headquarters at Bay and Maple Streets in Glens Falls. At 11:45 am he will speak at the Clinton County Democratic headquarters at 5 Bridge Street in Plattsburgh, where he will also focus on the illegal occupation of the Ganienkeh Mohawks on state land in Altona without a federal reservation agreement.
"We need to resolve this issue," Merrick said, "but we need to find a solution that is fair for everyone." Merrick is in favor of exploring the federal recognition process for this tribe, which could result in sovereign lands.
"Whatever we do, it should be legal and equitable to all parties," he said. Currently, the Ganienkeh Mohawks occupy state lands illegally. Over the years, they have resorted to using guns to defend the lands. "Using the threat of violence is unacceptable--in this and all areas," Merrick said. "We have to resolve this situation." The state hopes to invest $4 million into a dam and pond that currently sits on land that the Mohawk tribe says is theirs. "This land is either State land or it is Mohawk land. It can't be both. If it is Mohawk land, why are we spending $4 million in taxpayer money?"
In addition to untaxed cigarette and gas sales now taking place at Ganienkeh, Merrick states "There is significant gambling without a compact with the State. Beyond this, they have been purchasing adjoining lands with the profits from their illegal gambling. They have refused to pay over $150,000.00 in property tax on these lands and the County Treasurer has been afraid to enforce the tax laws."
"Where has Betty Little been on this issue?" Merrick asks. "We have a complete breakdown in legal and moral conduct. People are living illegally on State land, making money on illegal gambling. They are protecting their encampment with shotguns, endangering local citizens, harming local business, and our State Senator has been completely AWOL."
In discussing how far-reaching this is, Merrick stressed, "NY State is $50 billion in debt, and needs the tax revenue. The local retailers are being undercut and losing significant business. The Mohawks need assurance that they have a home, and the residents of Altona need to know they can walk on State land without being shot."
According to Merrick, " It's time for real leadership in the North Country."
The 45th Senate District is comprised of Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Warren and Washington counties. 10-31-06
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed by anyone without the express written permission of the publisher. This article is copyright protected. Fair Use is not applicable.
© 2006 North Country Gazette