051874 NY State Gov.Wilson.,OKs death penalty

ALBANY, N.Y. AP) _"In a limited number of cases." Gov. Malcolm Wilson said," it is just, in the public view, to have capital punishment."

The Republican governor gave the explanation Friday shortly after signing a bill restoring the death penalty in the state.

The law mandates the death sentence for those convicted of slaying on-duty policemen and on-duty correctional employees: The sentence also must be applied to life convicts who commit murder in prison or during an escape.

The penalty is "morally just," said Wilson, and serves the best interest of the people of the state.

New York had been without a capital punishment statute since last year. The Court of Appeals, relying on a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1972, said the law was arbitrary because it left imposition of the penalty to the discretion of the jury.

The new law is mandatory, which. Wilson said, "is what we believe is a constitutional approach." It is effective Sept1.

In other topics in the news conference, Wilson said be:

-Signed a measure authorizing New York City to increase its 3 per cent sales tax to 4 per cent. With the state's sales tax, this means a total levy of 8 per cent on goods bought in New York City.

-Approved a bill permitting the Power Authority to purchase and complete two generating plants being constructed by Consolidated Edison. The purchase of the No. 2 nuclear plant at Indian Point in Westchester County and a fossil fueled plant in Queens is expected to cost $800 million in bond funds. Con Ed says it needs the money to help with financial difficulties.

-Would sign a bill establishing a new rent-control system for New York City and Nassau, Westchester and. Rockland counties. Wilson, admitting disappointment in the measure, said he would seek modifications when the legislature reconvenes in special session May 29. The law retains provisions for lifting rent controls when apartments are vacated, allows the first rent to be negotiated between tenant and landlord, and establishes an appeal procedure on the first. rent.

-Was disturbed by those who would "try to shout the President into resignation." At the same time, he admitted that he was distressed by the contents of the transcripts of the Watergate tapes. 

Wilson also was asked whether the state would remove an encampment of 50 Indians on state land at Eagle Bay, near Utica. The Indians have claimed the land for the Mohawk nation. "All I can say," replied the governor, "is that those who have the responsibility for enforcing the law will do so."