During a rally today alongside the Thruway, Snyder read a letter from Gov. David A. Paterson indicating the governor's desire to begin talks with the Indian nation about the dispute over tax collection on Cigarettes sold by Native American merchants to non-Indians. "One of the things he won't put in the letter, but as he's related to us," Snyder told the crowd, "... even though the court cases might not go in favor of [ Seneca tobacco merchant] Scott Maybee or for us, the continuation of deliveries will continue until we have finished our dialogue." In December, Paterson signed a law that authorizes the state to require wholesalers to provide certification to the state tax department that they've complied with state tobacco tax law. Earlier this month, Snyder announced the Seneca Nation planned to find a way to collect its own tolls from motorists driving through Seneca land along the State Thruway. In his letter dated Sunday, and which Snyder said he received by fax, Paterson said he wants to improve relations with sovereign Indian nations in the state, which "can only be achieved through respectful and informed dialogue." The letter continues, "I am aware that there are several lawsuits pending in the State and Federal courts which could have the potential for altering the status quo governing cigarette deliveries to the Seneca Nation and Seneca citizens. I am also mindful that these lawsuits may be stayed for a period of time, which can give us the chance to discuss the important issues of mutual concern related to the sale in your territories of untaxed Cigarettes to non-Indians." The governor's office was contacted but did not immediately have a response.