Elmont Online

ALBANY -- "Historic" was the primary adjective on the lips of the elected officials and witnesses at Wednesday morning's inaugural hearing of the state Senate Standing Committee on State-Native American Relations.

The 80-minute session was primarily introductory, with brief history lessons and warm descriptions of the key economic role played by native businesses, which several witnesses noted had moved beyond its concentration on gaming and tobacco.

"Conflict is more costly than cooperation," said Richard Nephew, chairman of the Seneca Nation Council, who later alluded to his community's grievance with the state over gaming exclusivity. He also said the Senecas remained "embarrassed" over its treatment by the state in the aftermath of a 1976 agreement over the route of the Thruway across native land.

The session was chaired by Sen. George Maziarz, a Newfane Republican, who was flanked by his Western New York colleagues Sens. Patrick Gallivan, R-Elma, and Tim Kennedy, D-South Buffalo.

Nephew and others pointed out that unlike almost every other large employer in the state, native tribes aren't going to relocate to another state or overseas. "We don't have that luxury to move away," he said of Seneca businesses. "We're always going to be here."

Another witness, Ray Halbritter of the Oneidas, made the same point to the panel in response to the latest Quinnipiac poll that finds New Yorkers supporting an expansion of casino gaming -- a move that native leaders oppose vehemently.

Other controversial issues, including border difficulties and the collection of state sales tax on non-native brands of merchandise, including tobacco, were raised only briefly.

David Kimelberg, the CEO of Seneca Holdings, said the nation's expansion into areas such as construction and green power made it "an economic diversification success story."

Chief Mark Garrow of the St. Regis Mohawks and Randy King of the Shinnecock Nation also appeared.

Maziarz said he would like to see a dedicated economic development liaison to the native nations to collaborate with the state's newly formed regional economic councils.