Island Dispatch, 1999-01-15

              Island DISPATCH  over "As the voice of Grand Isla.iid" J^ - Complete community coverage Monday Nile Miltiness I L'iHGP,(HFJ^Ffim Lots to d 0... see page 10 January 15,1999 20 Pages  650 Vol. 54 No. 40  (716) 773-7676 'Speak up!' Live examines Seneca Indian lawsuit A local television show which will allow Grand Islanders to speak to the experts about the Seneca Indian Lawsuit has been postponed until February, Grand Islanders will be able to participate in a live television debate on the Seneca Indian suit at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2; on Adelphia HTTV, Channel 18. The show was originally scheduled to air this Tuesday. The hour-long television show is called "Speak Up!" and will include a four-member debate panel of experts, including Joseph Cranglc. the former attorney for the Seneca's: Peter McMahon, supervisor of Grand Island; and a representative from the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce. Residents can participate by telephoning during the program to ask questions and express their opinions. There will also, be a computer poll that residents can participate in via the telephone. Members of the studio audience are also encouraged to participate in the exchange, and there are a limited number of seats available tor the audience. Information about seating can be obtained by calling 558-8265."Speak Up!" is a year-oid, biweekly debate program produced bv Adelphia for' its HTTV programming, and is available to Island residents on Channel 18. Other topics have included an assortment of local issues such as the Erie County smoking ban. the moving of the Buffalo Zoo and gambling in WNY. WATER MAIN BREAK - Students at Kaegebein have had a week off because of a water main break on Monday and Tuesday and because of bad weather on Wednesday and Thursday. The water main problem was discovered Monday morning by maintenance personnel. Repairs started early Monday morning, above, (photo by Gregg Schnitzer) Bipartisan support shown for Veterans Park project Emphasis on no new taxes for GI residents by Deanne Bartha Three levels of government as well as long time Veterans Park committee members joined forces on Thursday in support of the proposed Recreation and Cultural Center planned for Veterans Park. Voting to proceed with the project is scheduled for Jan. 26 as a referendum in the special election. "We are at a crossroads regarding this proposal," Erie County Legislator Charles M. Swanick said. "It is time for the community at large to express their views on the proposed center by exercising their right to vote. After a quick review of juvenile arrests in Erie County I was surprised to see that Grand Island was rated among the highest for juvenile offenses. The need for additional facilities for the community's young, people, families and seniors has never been greater." The Veterans Park proposal contains: plans for an indoor soccer field with bleachers, an ice skating rink with bleachers, a jogging/walking track, locker facilities in addition to a multipurpose field house with three courts for basketball, tennis and/or volleyball, and a leisure pool which accommodates both lap swimming and leisure activities. Also included are a fitness/aerobics/exercise area, a small community theatre, meeting rooms and an art exhibit gallery as well as other infrastructure essentials. "Grand Island is not what it was 20 years ago," Swanick said. "Grand Island needs a central sp6rts facility. Let's put it here on the Island. I offer my full support." Swanick, along with other officials in attendance, stressed that no new taxes would be imposed on residents to pay for the facility. Even with a $4 million bond through the Town of Grand Island, the money would be paid back with revenues generated, Councilman Richard Crawford explained. The facility's business plan has seen to that, he added. "Some people just don't understand," Crawford said. "Taxes will not go up." Additionally, other government funding will provide $3 million for WORKING TOGETHER - In a bipartisan move on Thursday, government officials announced that they support the Veterans Park Recreation and Cultural Center project and encourage citizens to vote on Jan. 26. From left, Supervisor Peter McMahon, Senator Anthony Nanula, Legislator Charles M. Swanick, Assemblymember Sam Hoyt, Councilman Dick Crawford, and Deputy Supervisor Michael Heftka. continued on page 7