Immediate Release 

Contact: Robert E. Ingalls

315-798-5800

COUNTY EXECUTIVE APPOINTS ONEIDA COUNTY LIAISON TO THE ONEIDA LAND CLAIM TASK FORCE

UTICA: Oneida County Executive Ralph J. Eannace, Jr. announced today that C. Lee Hinkleman Sr., of Westmoreland, has been appointed as the Oneida County Liaison to the Indian Nation Land Claim. The Board of Legislators approved this position and also allotted the resources for necessary additional support in historical research, economic research in public information and in all preparations that are necessary in relation to the claim. Eannace said, "The bottom line is we must do everything that is necessary to successfully bring this matter to a conclusion without anyone losing their rights to private property, and Lee is the person for the job." In addition the State has agreed to fund the effort through a "Legal Defense Fund" established by the State.

Mr. Hinkleman is a retired U.S. Army Soldier who moved to the town of Westmoreland following the base closure. He is married to Cathy, has two sons in college, Rocky and Ryan, and a daughter, Noelle. He retired from the U.S. Army on October 1^st, 1998 with over 21 years of Active Duty. He has extensive experience in the Public Relations arena and has dealt with a wide variety of nationalities and indigenous groups throughout the world.

He is President of the Westmoreland VFD, a trustee with the Westmoreland United Methodist Church, a member of the Clark Mills American Legion, and is a member of the District Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Mr. Hinkleman attended the University of Maryland in Worms, Germany, the University of Michigan and Vincenness University.

Mr. Hinkleman said, "Oneida County has clearly set forth its policy, that the innocent property owners be dropped from the amended complaint."