"The reason the Oneida Nation gives most of its liquor business to a Rome restaurant owned by Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito’s husband might be just as the Oneidas say: It delivers consistent quality and excellent service.

But the fact that Destito is chairwoman of the state committee that deals with Indian affairs creates an appearance of favoritism and a possible conflict of interest. For that reason, the right thing to do would be for the assemblywoman to be assigned to a different committee where perception could not be mistaken for reality.

An O-D analysis of data from the state Liquor Authority shows that more than 95 percent of the liquor permits issued to caterers at Turning Stone Resort and Casino over the past year have gone to The Beeches, which is co-owned by Christopher Destito, the assemblywoman’s husband. That has prompted concerns from another local restaurant official and some political opponents who say the relationship favors the Rome restaurant — a charge both Destitos strongly deny."

Get the Story:
Our view: Destito should cut Indian ties (The Utica Observer-Dispatch 10/16)

Earlier Story:
Destito: No casino conflict (The Utica Observer-Dispatch 10/12)