The following is an open letter to Senator Mike Nozzolio, Assemblyman Gary Finch and the New York state Legislature:

There should be no further talks between the Legislature and the governor regarding state spending cuts unless and until the governor agrees to, and implements a strategy to collect all gasoline and tobacco taxes owed by all Indian tribes in New York.

If state and local police are too timid for the task (which is apparently the case), then the National Guard should be called out to handle enforcement duties. If the governor continues to refuse to do this, his credibility regarding the deficit is questionable. The Legislature should then begin impeachment. Taxation, or the lack thereof, based solely on race cannot be allowed to continue.

Paterson's claims that he doesn't want to raise taxes is extremely disingenuous. He knows very well that all state aid cuts will be dumped on local property taxes, the most harmful and discriminatory tax on the books, because school districts and municipalities will refuse to make appropriate cuts. Any state aid cuts must absolutely be accompanied by legislation which prohibits further property tax increases.

Our nation appears to be sliding into depression and as usual New York is leading the way. Although federal policies wreaked havoc (check your bank statement, banks no longer pay interest), New York started down the slippery slope long ago with unsustainable annual increases in public employee salaries and benefits. Regardless of the consequences, these public employee contracts must be torn up and replaced by much leaner ones. Any member of any legislative body who will not agree to this should do the honorable thing and resign.

The property tax can no longer be used as a limitless funding source for irresponsible spending.

Lee Gamlen

Aurora