New York State is scheduled to start collecting taxes on Indian cigarette sales on Wednesday, but the Seneca Nation plans to retaliate against the state’s new cigarette tax by withholding casino payments. After a state judge refused to block New York from collecting taxes on cigarette sales to non-Indian customers, the tribe decided to hold back the state’s share of casino revenues starting on Wednesday, the day New York says it will begin the collections. Tribal leaders are now hoping a federal judge will prevent the tax from being implemented. The last time the state attempted to enforce the tax was during the George Pataki Administration, and members of upstate tribes protested by blocking traffic on the Thruway. This time, taxes will be collected at the wholesale level before the cigarettes even reach the Indian dealers. Governor Paterson has warned that the enforcement could result in violence and death.
Two local businessmen have won the right to purchase the landmark Statler Towers in downtown Buffalo. A U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge approved the sale to Mark Croce and James Eagan, at a winning bid of 700-thousand dollars for the property and back-taxes owed. A 15-day waiting period now begins for others to contest the judgement. A California-based investor was disqualified for failing to properly submit a 100-thousand dollar deposit before the stated deadline. Eagan and Croce are hoping to close the deal in mid-November, but have not announced their future plans for the property.
UB President John Simpson surprised the university and community withhis resignation announcement yesterday. Simpson will hand over the reins in January, in order to return to the West Coast with his family. Senior VP and chief operating officer Scott Nostaja will take over on an interim basis, and a national search for a replacement will be conducted. The 63-year-old Simpson has been at the helm of UB since 2004.
Metro Bus and Rail riders will see some big changes starting tomorrow. The NFTA is doing away with multi-zones fare in favor of a single-fare system. It will now cost one-dollar-75 cents for each boarding regardless of local distance. Commuters can also buy four-dollar daily passes which allow for unlimited boardings. Monthly passes are being reduced from 77 to 64 dollars. Other major changes include increasing the frequency of popular runs, while reducing service on less-traveled routes and shifting weekend schedules. The changes are expected to save 850-thousand dollars per year.
The man suspected in the City Grill killings had his bail set yesterday at 500-thousand dollars. Riccardo McCray is facing four murder counts for the August 14th shooting rampage on Main Street. McCray turned himself in last week, but has maintained his innocence.
Jury selection will resume tomorrow in the Renee Greco murder case. Nineteen-year-old Anthony Allen of Rochester is accused of killing the Lockport youth counselor in June 2009. A judge denied a request to halt jury selection as the defense tries to get the case moved out of Niagara County, arguing that a fair trial will not be possible because of the media attention. In two days of jury selection last week, not a single candidate has been chosen. The third day of jury selection is scheduled for Wednesday, but a change of venue hearing is not set until sometime next week. The co-defendant, 18-year-old Robert Thousand, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and is expected to testify for the prosecution.
As the school year starts, New York State is celebrating its win in the federal “Race To The Top” education grant contest. At an event in Albany yesterday , U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said New York is now on the leading edge of reform. New York’s application for the contest was highlighted by numerous reform efforts, including challenging low performing schools and thinking differently about teacher and principal evaluations. Governor Paterson says the win is a new chapter in the state’s commitment to education.
Governor Paterson isn’t planning action against his staff for involvement they may have had in a domestic violence case against former top aide David Johnson. Last month the State Court of Appeals concluded that Paterson and several members of his administration had erred in the way they handled Johnson’s alleged altercation with his girlfriend. Paterson, Johnson and special assistant Clemmie Harris came under fire for allegedly attempting to coerce Johnson’s girlfriend into not filing domestic charges. Paterson has kept Johnson on suspension since the incident and says he will continue to do so while state police continue to investigate.
Part A retirement numbers continue to rise for the state. On Monday a total of 45-hundred-93 state government workers had applied for and been approved for the retirement incentives. Close to 200 applications were received yesterday and state leaders hope the numbers continue to rise in order to help trim money from next year’s budget.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Lazio says he has big plans for education spending. Lazio says he believes more money should be spent on early childhood education and other reforms that promote positive changes throughout school districts. Lazio also says that less education spending would most likely take place for the rest of the 2010-11 school year and not increase until the next budget year.
