OBSERVER File Photo Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello says Gov. Cuomo is penalizing the area in the tax dispute with the Seneca Nation of Indians.

Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello is continuing his criticism of state Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s handling of the situation between the state and Seneca Nations of Indians. This afternoon, he issued a statement noting how the governor’s lack of action has led to an unnecessary death in the Southern Tier.

“New York state Governor Andrew Cuomo administration’s mishandling of the situation with the Seneca Nation of Indians can sadly now be measured in lives. Congressman Tom Reed has brought to light how the city of Salamanca’s understaffed emergency services, which was caused by budget shortfalls as a result of the governor withholding their payments, has led to a tragic situation where an EMS call could not be properly responded to which resulted in the death of a heart attack victim.

“An article published in The Buffalo News on Sept. 4, quotes Salamanca Fire Chief Nick Bocharski as saying, ‘Governor, this falls directly in your lap.’

“The city of Salamanca is just one of many municipalities, including Chautauqua County, which is suffering serious budget shortfalls from the unpaid millions of dollars owed by the state. The Cuomo administration recently chose to pay the city of Niagara Falls for the money owed through the compact agreement but not the rest of the municipalities.”

After Borrello’s statement, Reed sent out a news release indicating the city of Salamanca would receive $4.7 million of the payments owed. As a result, two new firefighters were hired on at the city fire department. These new additions allow the department to fully staff two ambulances, which improves the city’s response to emergency situations.

“Getting these funds to the City of Salamanca is the right thing to do,” Reed said. “We care about the safety of Salamanca’s citizens – and are glad two firefighters have been added to the fire department. We will never stop fighting for the safety and security of our constituents – this is why we do what we do.”

Reed previously held a joint press call with Mayor Michael Smith and the Salamanca Fire Department Chief Nick Bocharski to address the unfortunate death of a person due to staffing issues at the fire department. Funds were promised to the city of Salamanca that would have allowed the department to hire additional firefighters sooner.

Borrello continued to maintain the state needs to repair relations with the nation.

“Of course, the situation has only been made worse by Governor Cuomo’s ongoing political battles with the Senecas on everything from attempting to tax the nation, in violation of federal treaties, to allowing state roads on Seneca territory to fall into dangerous disrepair, including the deplorable conditions on the Thruway here in the Chautauqua County area.

“The state is in arrears to Chautauqua County to the tune of over $2.2 million as of today and that will increase to about $3 million if nothing is done in the coming year. These debts are heavy burdens for the largely rural areas that the governor is choosing not to pay. Meanwhile, the state continues to find money for highly questionable programs including an estimated $27 million per year to give free college tuition to illegal immigrants.

“Anyone who has been in business knows that you still need to meet your obligations even when those who owe you money haven’t paid you. Your employees should not have to beg for the money owed to them. This ridiculous response by Mr. Mujica is suggesting that we beg the state to pay its debts. It’s a very poor excuse for not stepping up and doing the right thing.”

Besides serving as county executive, Borrello is also a member of the Native American Affairs & Gaming Standing Committee for the New York State Association of Counties.