By Mark Scott
New York City, NY – The Seneca Nation of Indians held an introductory meeting with Governor Spitzer in New York City Thursday.
About 85 members of the Nation made the cross-state trip aboard a bus. They gathered at the United Nations in their traditional attire and then marched to Spitzer's office.
The Senecas oppose Spitzer's attempt to collect taxes on the sale of tobacco products by Nation retailers to non-Indians. In recent weeks, they rescinded an easement for a section of the State Thruway that runs through their reservation and threaten to do the same for a section of I-86 in the Southern Tier.
Seneca President Maurice John said the meeting between the governor and tribal leaders was cordial.
John said there were no discussions on the specific issues that are dividing them. He said that will happen at future negotiating sessions at the staff level.