From Indianz:
Gov. David Paterson (D) said New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) made “inappropriate” remarks about the state’s tribes.
Paterson said it was “dangerous” for Bloomberg to suggest a confrontation with tribes over the collection of a tobacco tax. “The state police tell us over and over again that there could be violence and death as a result of some of the measures we’re taking,” Paterson said on WOR-AM.
“So I really feel in this case the mayor’s remarks are inappropriate,” Paterson said.
Paterson still plans on enforcing state taxes on the sale of tobacco to non-Indians. The plan goes into effect on September 1.
“I’m going to maintain this policy because we are not interfering with their treaties. We are leveling the playing field for our commercial establishments right here in New York State who are being gouged because what the Indians are doing by selling cigarettes tax free on their property,” Paterson said.
Bloomberg had told Paterson to “get yourself a cowboy hat and a shotgun” in order to deal with tribes.
Get the Story:
Gov. Paterson slams Mayor Bloomberg over ‘inappropriate’ comments on getting cig taxes from Indians (The New York Daily News 8/26)
Paterson: Cowboy hat or not, it’s not that easy (The Albany Times-Union 8/26)
Turtle Talk 