The casino clock is ticking away, and Governor Andrew Cuomo and State Senator John Bonacic, who heads the powerful Racing and Gaming Committee of the State Senate, have been in deep negotiations as to the language of a bill to bring legalized casino gaming to New York State.
Cuomo during the past several weeks has visibly slapped Sullivan County in the face with his proposed casino bill which possibly could bring one casino to Sullivan County. Powerful elected Democrats have remained silent on this issue. Hopefully, they are working behind the scenes to change Cuomo’s mind.
Republican Bonacic on the other hand has maintained that in order for the economy in Sullivan County to turn around – We need more than one casino to once again turn us into a premier resort destination.
Sources knowledgeable of the negotiations claim there appears to be some movement on Cuomo’s part especially since an agreement was reached Thursday with the Seneca’s eliminating the Buffalo/Niagara Falls region that allowed a casino under Cuomo’s proposal. Cuomo also reportedly now wants four initial casinos and not three.
The Seneca’s tried to get an Indian Casino in Sullivan County several years ago, and they too might be back in the mix and become a major contender in Sullivan County if legalized gaming is approved.
Foxwoods has already announced their partnership with Muss Development at Grossinger’s, Empire Resorts is planning to move their operations to the Concord in their quest for a casino, then there is the Nevele in Ulster County, and let’s not forget the Cappelli agreement with Mohegan Sun, or the Stockbridge Munsees site.
Who actually gets a casino in Sullivan County will be the determination of a newly formed statewide gaming commission, but that of course is if the legislature approves a gaming bill, and if the voters pass a referendum.
If there is no agreement this year, the legislature could start the process all over again, with approval of a new casino bill, and voters would tackle the subject of legalized gaming in 2014 when Cuomo is up for reelection. Cuomo originally said he wanted to skip this year, because he felt passage for casinos would be easier next year when there are statewide elections.
Empire Resorts has already received approval for their Racino expansion along with millions in tax abatements, and they claim they are building at the Concord no matter what. The Cappelli lawsuit against Entertainment Properties Trust could damper such a move if it is not settled.
In an effort to convince Cuomo that one casino is not enough to stimulate our depressed economy, a video letter to Cuomo was taped Wednesday urging him to support more than one casino for Sullivan County.
The message that included 38 community leaders reciting different lines, tells Cuomo that in order to be turned into a true destination region, Sullivan County needs more than one casino.
A radio commercial was also recorded in Thunder Radio studios as part of this push.
The idea was the brainchild of Michele Klugman Resnick, Vice President of the Partnership for Economic Development.
Terri Ward, President of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, Matthew Dorcas , of ND Pro Media Inc., and Thunder Radio’s Mike Sakell, Paul Ciliberto, Michelle Semerano were involved in the production of the video and radio letter.
I was proud to be included in the production advocating Casinos for Sullivan County, something that I have been grandstanding for years.
Without a doubt all of the first round of casinos should be placed right here in Sullivan County. It will be an injustice if they are not. Ulster County’s economy does not need a casino, nor does Saratoga’s and other regions.
For over 30 years we have been used and abused with casino prospects. It was the magic bullet that was going to stimulate our economy and revitalize our tourism industry. Millions upon millions of dollars was wasted as we watched the industry explode in neighboring Pennsylvania and other states. In fact, Cuomo is using a model similar to what was used in Pennsylvania, and it won’t work in New York State, because we already house Racinos at racetracks and Indian Casinos.
The casino market is diluted and all of our leaders in Albany must understand that casinos can only succeed if they are grouped and placed in renowned resort destinations such as the famed Catskill Mountains and that we can lure tourists with much more than just gaming.
We can only pray that Governor Cuomo will take the time to watch the video pleading for more than one casino for Sullivan County, and join with Senator Bonacic in his efforts.
Here is the link to view the Video Message
Betting on Sullivan: a Message to Governor A. Cuomo
Sullivan County community comes together to express its desire for Class 3 Gaming in Sullivan County, NY.
Bill Liblick has made a name for himself of National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in the Sullivan County Post