Senator Nozzolio Delivers Public Hearing On Indian Land Claim Settlement

Albany – Citing his long-standing position that his constituents must be heard on the Indian land claim settlement, New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio (R,C-Fayette) today announced that a public hearing on Governor Pataki’s legislation to settle five Indian land claims will be held at the Auburn campus of the Cayuga Community College.

“Responding to the concerns of many of my constituents, I pushed extremely hard to get a formal public hearing in our region on the proposed Indian land claim settlement,” said Senator Nozzolio. “I am very pleased that the State Senate has agreed to hold the third public hearing on this issue in our region. This hearing is critically important to the people in my Senate District and they will now be able to express their views and have their voices heard.”

The State Senate had previously scheduled public hearings in Albany and Monticello, Sullivan County. As a result of Senator Nozzolio’s efforts, Cayuga County was chosen as the site for the third public hearing.

Cayuga Community College President Dennis Golladay said, “The College is very pleased to be able to facilitate this public service over an issue that is vital to the county’s future.”

The hearing will be held jointly by the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering; the Committee on Tourism, Recreation and Sports Development; and the Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development. Senator Nozzolio is a member of the Committees for Racing, Gaming and Wagering and Tourism, Recreation and Sports Development.

“This legislation is too important to be pushed through the system without full public scrutiny. It is my hope that this public hearing, right here in Cayuga County, will help us gather information from local residents as we take a close look at this critical legislation,” concluded Nozzolio.

The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at 6p.m. and will be held in the gymnasium at the Auburn campus of the Cayuga Community College, located at 197 Franklin Street. Those interested in speaking at the hearing should contact Kay Glazer at (518) 455-3181.

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