If nothing else, the ongoing controversies regarding the Halbritter Corp. (HC), also known as the Oneida Indian Nation, provide regular intervals of entertainment. The latest interval is yet again provided by Oneida County government Republicans. County Executive Anthony Picente, seemingly incapable of being humiliated, is going to attempt to negotiate yet again with the HC. After supporting, arguably the worst possible "negotiated" settlement proposal last year, it will be amusing to see the level of nonsense he is going to support this year.
Not to be outdone, Majority Leader Dave Wood is especially interested in yet again deputizing members of the Oneida Nation Police Department. Great idea! Let’s deputize people to enforce state laws who answer to an organization that routinely flouts states laws! It doesn’t get any better than this.
Madison County has, throughout the last 13 years, handled issues regarding the HC with far more intelligence. In sharp contrast with Picente’s views and remarks regarding negotiations with the HC, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Madison County John Becker stated in the local press last month, "The ‘take it or leave it’ attitude of the nation’s leadership is not conducive of a positive relationship." The relevant question here is: How do you negotiate with a party that simply ignores the law and takes what it wishes with complete impunity?
Not surprisingly, County Legislator Michael Hennessy is yet again correct by pointing out that the solution to these Indian issues is very simple, enforce existing laws and apply them equally to all. This, by the way is how litigation is slowly, but definitely helping us. Instead of asking how litigation is helping us and comparing it to the movie "Groundhog Day," Picente should be asking, "Where would we now be without all of the successful litigation that we have been through?" But then, some people are too ignorant to recognize success when they see it.
Before I forget, I would like to thank Judge Kahn for predictably dismissing the lawsuit filed by the Upstate Citizens for Equality, enabling us to quickly move forward to the higher courts where at least some of the judges actually look at the facts.
— Scott E. Peterman, vice president,
Upstate Citizens for Equality,
3461 Seneca Turnpike, Canastota
