A PETITION

for

The Impeachment of George E. Pataki

TO THE ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

 

WHEREAS George E. Pataki, has violated his duty as prescribed by Article IV § 3 and Article XVI § 1

of the Constitution of the State of New York by knowingly and intentionally refusing to enforce recently

enacted provisions of the Tax Law to wit: Tax Law §§ 284-E, 301-a, 471-e, 1112, & 1210;

 

WHEREAS George E. Pataki has acknowledged that this policy of non-enforcement is inconsistent with

his oath of office and requires authorization from the Legislature. In his May 22, 1997, speech he stated

“For more than two and [one] half years, I have worked to balance my oath of office to uphold the laws of

our state with my profound respect for the rights of all people and for the sovereignty of the Indian

Nations.” In referring to tax agreements he had been negotiating with various Indian governmental

entities he continued “The federal Department of Tribal Justice praised these agreements, calling them

fair and creative pacts that respected the sovereignty of the nations and my obligation to uphold the law.”

George E. Pataki went on to say, in reference to a bill he submitted to the legislature, “Let me make my

message to all Indian Nations clear: It is your land, we respect your sovereignty and, if the Legislature

acts as I am requesting, you will have the right to sell tax-free gasoline and cigarettes free from

interference from New York State.”

 

WHEREAS the New York Legislature did not act as requested by George E. Pataki and the bill he

submitted never came to a vote. However, after 6 years of legal challenges to this policy of nonenforcement

the New York Legislature enacted Chapter 62 of the Laws of 2003 which amended the Tax

Law to include new provisions directing the State Tax Commissioner to collect various taxes from nonmembers making purchases on Indian land which is now codified at Tax Law §§ 284-E, 301-a, 471-e, 1112, & 1210;

 

WHEREAS Chapter 62 of the Laws of 2003 was initially vetoed by George E. Pataki, however on May

15, 2003, the Legislature overrode his veto and the subject statutes became law.

 

WHEREAS George E. Pataki in violation of his oath of office and various provisions of the Constitution

of the State of New York has usurped the power of the New York State Legislature and has directly and

indirectly ordered his subordinates to refrain from carrying out the Legislature’s lawful directives;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the People, Undersigned, being citizens of the State

of New York and registered voters in the Counties and municipalities so indicated, HEREBY Demand

that the Assembly of the State Of New York begin immediate impeachment proceedings against said

George E. Pataki, pretender to the office of the Governor of the State of New York, and further demand

they vigorously pursue all civil and criminal penalties to each and every member of this administration

who willingly and knowingly participated in these illegal and unconstitutional acts and omissions.

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Please return all petitions with original signatures to: Upstate Citizens for Equality, Inc., POB 65, Wampsville, N.Y., 13163

* This should be printed on legal (8.5 x 14) paper.