Mouth That Roars

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.

- Subsribe at sullivancountypost.com
August 8th, 2013

Rallying the Troops for Casinos

Randy Resnick of The Sullivan Hotel and Bernie’s Restaurant, and Amy Goodstein of Catskill Valley Homes know the clock ticking and Election Day will be quickly upon us. They know that Novmnber 5th is the day New York State voters will decide if class three gaming facilities will be approved in areas such as Sullivan County. They also know that something must be done to rally the public to support the referendum.

Both Resnick and Goodstein have embarked on a grassroots campaign to get out the “YES” vote for Gaming on November 5th. During the past few days they have brought together a diverse group of community leaders and advocates in meetings to organize and launch their effort.

As a result, an initial “Get Out the Vote Rally” will be held this Wednesday night August 14th at The Sullivan Hotel in Rock Hill, and I am urging, even begging, everyone to support this effort.

Resnick has donated several thousand dollars for lawn signs, buttons, bumper stickers, and brochures to be distributed at the launch rally.

“I am doing all this because we need to come together and show our support for the most important vote thus far in our lifetime,” Resnick told me.

“As business people in Sullivan County, we understand what the positive impacts of Casino Gaming would be on our region. We desperately need Economic Investment, Jobs and Tax Relief. Money for education is just the icing on the cake.”

“This rally is our contribution. We cannot sit on our hands any longer. We all need to make a concerted effort to make this vote a reality. It’s make or break time,” Resnick added.

The rally will feature local elected leaders including Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Liberty Town Supervisor Charlie Barbuti, and Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Scott Samuelson. A voter registration drive and opportunities to volunteer to get out the vote will also be advocated at the rally.

“We need to get the word out and make sure that everyone knows about the referendum, and understands that this time the decision is in their hands. We need to register every eligible voter, and for every registered voter to come out to the polls in November to vote YES for the referendum, vote YES for jobs. We’ve waited too long to let this opportunity slip through our fingers, it’s up to each one of us to vote Yes for our future,” Samuelson noted.

Although a big money campaign is expected to come from the casino industry, it is important that this grassroots message from Sullivan County gets out throughout New York State. Everyone has grand memories of the Catskills and only we can tell the story about the need for revitalization.

Resnick and Goodstein are putting together a political pac in order to receive financial contributions to keep this grassroots effort going. All monies will be utilized for this get out the “Yes Vote” campaign.

I am urging all businesses and residents to contribute anything they can for this worthwhile cause. Resnick can be reached at (845) 796-3333.

This is our one single opportunity where we can all band together in unity to stimulate our economy and give Sullivan County a bright future.

Whether you support or don’t support casinos, please understand that this is not just about gambling venues. This is about building entertainment resort destinations and revitalizing our tourism industry with an end result of dramatic positive growth.

The benefit for all of us will be far more reaching than just a gaming hall. Thousands of jobs will be created. High-end retail stores, five star hotels, renowned spas, gourmet restaurants, and entertainment venues that only places like resort destinations can deliver will become part of our new landscape.

The positive trickledown effect will be enormous.

Please do everything you can to support this effort and tell everyone you know to “Vote Yes” on Election Day.

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

1 comment to Rallying the Troops for Casinos

  • Michael Marra

    This should have done many years ago. I wish that I was still a resident but my heart has never left. Please people, get it done!
    Peace