Island Dispatch, 1997-09-05

              Island DISPATCH J "As the voice of Grand Island" v** ■X jf- —  September 5,1997 Vol. 54 •No. 20 I SHOWCASE"] FAMILY RESTAURANTS 2352 Grand Island Blvd. • DINE IN TAKE OUT • NEW MENU • NEW HOURS OPEN EVERY DAY 7A.M.-MIDNIGHT 1775-32111 Official Newspaper for the Town of Grand Island & the Grand Island School District  (716) 773-7676 20 Pages 650 Reality check at Cafe MCDONALDS OWNER GIVESTO T*HS RSALiaW jOAJRK - Rdwnnl Spatholt, owner of the McDonalds on Grand Island and several other area locations gives a gift of $2,000 for the Reality Cafe to Sue Nobits and Kirn Jansen, both Outreach Coordinators for the Island's Enrichment and Referral Center which runs the Cafe. The giving process was initiated by Edward's wife, Cathy (deceased) who told him "this is what we are going to do." Other charitable commitments have also been made to organizations in Youngstown, Niagara Falls and Lewiston. Edward Spatholt said that the Cafe was not as publicized as other organizations he had given to but noted its efforts to provide a place where kids could congregate and receive guidance. "Use the money wisely," he said. He also asked for feedback on how the money would be spent, (by Christopher Caile) Prep work begins on bridges lIDGE CLEANING GETS UNDERWAY- Along a portion of the erside of the southbound north Grand Island Bridge, work is underway lean and paint that portion. The sides are covered, underneath a special it, designed to catch falling material, has been hoisted into place, aung along side is a barge with a large vacuum pump to pull out and osit materials cleaned off bridge surfaces, (by Christopher Caile) Officials voice opposition to Fed intervention by Christopher Caile There was obvious tension and emotion, the scene almost explosive in Grand Island town hall Thursday, where local officials gathered to vocally condemn the Federal Justice Department's possible intervention on the side of the Senecas in their suit seeking return of Grand Island. County Executive Dennis Gorski was there, so was Chuck Swanick, Chairman of the Erie County Legislature, Town Supervisor Jim Pax and County Attorney Kenneth Schoetz. They were ringed by reporters, TV crews and cameras. Statements were highly emotional. Gorski said the prospect of intervention "perpetuates tne anxiety and anguish of the people of Grand Island. I'm saying to the Federal Government to stay out of this," he said. "The Federal government is suing its own citizens. Not only is this wrong but it is unconscionable," he added. "The people of Grand Island need to move on with their lives," said Swanick and noted the economic impact on the Island. "The Federal Government shouldn't take a position on this land suit. The County wants this issue before the courts but the Senecas constantly put up road blocks. We believe the suit to be frivolous." "It's time to get rid of the cloud," said Pax. "I feel we have a very strong case and the Federal Government and Justice Department should stay out. It's wrong. The State should not have to fight the Federal Government in this matter. Why should we have to give money to the Senecas for something they never owned," he said. "If the Federal government intervenes in the same way as the Senecas they will be asking for the land, homes and businesses on Island," said Schoetz. "Our position is the Federal Government shouldn't sue in their role as trustee since the facts in the Seneca case do not support their claims." Furthermore he said he felt that they would win in court if they were only allowed to pursue their case. "It is difficult to image," he said, "that without Federal Intervention this case won't be dismissed." Swanick added that he wanted to make it clear what the Senecas were asking for in their suit, "the land, assets and things of value." Behind the scenes Gorski, Swanick, Pax, Schoetz and Assemblyman Sam Hoyt have all intensely lobbied against the proposal. On Wednesday Gorski, Swanick and Pax issued a new release on the subject and wrote a letter to U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno outlining the facts of their case. On Tuesday Hoyt wrote to Reno urging her to "intervene against the Seneca claim or stay out of the fray." Hoyt said the Federal Government had absolutely no reason to intervene. The Senecas dispute with the United States over Grand Island was already solved by the Indian Claims Commission 25 years ago, and "therefore the Federal Government cannot be sued." On Tuesday Pax also wrote both New York U.S. Senators, Alfonse D'Amato and Daniel Moynihan plus Congressman John LaFalce. He urged them to do everything in their power to prevent the Federal Government from using its resources to support the Seneca nation claim of ownership of the town. "It is incumbent upon us to ensure the property rights of Island residents are protected," said Pax. "We need to advise the U.S, Attorney General, Janet Reno that intervention by the Federal Government on behalf of the Seneca nation is against the interests of the Town of Grand Island and its people and is totally unacceptable." Executive Dennis Gorski, Chuck Swanick, Chairman or me cne  Legislature, Town Supervisor James Pax, and County Attorney Kennedi Schoetz spoke at a Thursday news conference held at Grand Island town hall. They all opposed possible Federal intervention on the side of the Senecas in their suit to recover Grand Island, (by Christopher Caile) Tuesday at the polls Next Tuesday, on September 9 Grand Island Republicans will choose two of three primary candidates for town council who are seeking to run on the Republican line in November's general election for a four year term of office. The three candidates are James Sharpe, Mary Cooke and Bruce Kaiser. Incumbent Jim Sharpe is endorsed by the Independence Party. Incumbent Mary Cooke and candidate Bruce Kaiser are endorsed by the Republicans, Cooke also being endorsed by the Conservatives.