Albany N.Y.
The agreement that allowed a billion-dollar New York casino to be
built a decade ago was ruled invalid Monday June 28, 2004. Court
Justice James McCartyy ruled that then-Gov. Mario Como "exceeded his
authority" by entering into the 1993 compact with the Oneida Indian
Nation without legislative approval.
The immediate effect on the Turningstone Casino was not known.
The state declined comment on the ruling.
Leon Koziol who represents the Upstate Citizens for Equality whose
law firm won the case, said the decision provides the state with a
huge bargaining chip to end the tribes land claims on 250,000 acres
of central New York. The land claim threatens the eviction of 60,000
non-indians.
If the Oneidas do not negotiate the land claims to the satisfaction
of the residents, the court order could be used to seek federal power
to shut the casino down. The ruling should also require a new pact
that would give a far greater share of profits to the state and local
government.