We have waited 20, 30, even 40 years for Entertainment Resort Destinations to be approved in Sullivan County. The opportunity is finally here, but for it to finally become a reality, we must all vote YES on Proposition One on Tuesday.
In all honesty – There is simply no reason on earth why anyone would or should no.
Entertainment Resort destinations in Sullivan County will be a win win for all of us, and anyone who does not see it, is irrational and out of touch with reality.
In a perfect world, Proposition One should have initially been about the Catskill Mountains and our need to revitalize and grow our tourism industry with many resort destinations, but Governor Andrew Cuomo and the State legislature did not see that need, and our region will only get up to two resorts in the first round if Proposition One is passed.
One or two is better than nothing.
Sullivan County is way beyond the critical list and at this point even one resort destination will most certainly do something to assist in stimulating our economy.
Hopefully we will get two in the initial round if the measure is approved. An Independent Selection Committee will review bids from operators and decide where to place the initial Resort Destinations.
It is beyond comprehension how anyone anywhere would be against approving resort destinations in New York State and especially in Sullivan County.
As I drive around and look at our magnificent landscape – I continually reminisce about what was and what could be. All of our great hotels are gone, as well as the renowned entertainment that made us famous. Finally – a new day is upon us.
Nay Sayers claim that the wording of the proposition is unfair and will mislead voters because it states it will benefit the economy, lower taxes, and aid education. Well – It happens to be true! Resort destinations will benefit our economy, lower taxes, and aid education.
Under Proposition One New York City would not be able to get a casino for five years, to allow upstate regions to generate tourism and stimulate our economy.
Video terminals are legalized at Aqueduct and Yonkers and are already cash cows raking in millions of dollars. As an incentive to get New York City’s votes, Cuomo is stressing that they will also receive millions towards education and property tax relief.
Sullivan County has been used and abused with resort destination prospects. Millions upon millions of dollars was wasted as we watched the industry explode in neighboring Pennsylvania and other states.
Governor George Pataki was giving us not three – but five.
When I worked with the Seneca’s and Rotate Black lobbying their efforts to construct a resort complex in Sullivan County, we were so close, as was the Stockbridge Munsee’s and other Native American tribes – but yet so far.
It is no secret that I am one of the biggest proponents of Resort Destinations for Sullivan County. I know the industry could dramatically make a difference not only with employment opportunities, but also with quality of life issues.
We need the entertainment venues, upscale restaurants, stores, hotels and spas that come with Resort Destinations.
The Opportunity is finally here – Please come out and Vote Yes on Proposition One.
Bill Liblick has made a name for himself on 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.