Becker: No comment on Madison County’s direction going forward after veto
by Martha E. Conway
(Wampsville – Oct. 1, 2016) Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office responded this morning to last night’s article about his veto of legislation that Madison County officials say would have given them parity with other counties that host gaming operations within their borders. Madison County Chairman John M. Becker said it was the result of ‘political payback.’
“Your story could have benefited from a call to us instead of relying on unfounded allegations,” wrote Cuomo senior deputy communications director Rich Azzopardi in an email this morning. “See the enclosed veto message.”
The Courier’s responded it was happy to receive a statement from the governor’s office in response to the article, as word of the veto came in very late in the evening.
“I refer to the veto message, which is based in actual fact,” Azzopardi wrote.
Madison County Board of Supervisors Chairman John M. Becker reported Friday evening that Gov. Andrew Cuomo vetoed the widely supported proposed Senate S.5670A/Assembly A7844, introduced by Sen. David J. Valesky (D – Oneida) and Assemblyman Bill Magee (D – Nelson), which passed the Senate 59 to 1 and the Assembly 124-4. The veto came on the last of its 10-day period to act on the measure.
The legislation was drafted at the urging of Madison County officials in hopes of sharing in additional revenues as the Oneida Indian Nation expands its gaming initiatives.
Editor’s note: Martha E. Conway is publisher of MadisonCountyCourier.com.