New York | Opinion

Opinion: Off-reservation casino will revitalize Catskills economy

Thursday, December 16, 2010

"What are they afraid of? That is what one seriously has to wonder judging from all the outlandish criticism Governor David Paterson is getting since he signed a land settlement claim with the Stockbridge Munsee’s.

Everyone knew the Stockbridge Munsee’s had a legitimate land settlement claim against the State of New York for years, and that they have been trying to settle and swap that claim in order to obtain the rights to build a casino in Sullivan County.

Governor David Paterson made it no secret that he was negotiating with Indian tribes and was doing everything he could to turn us once again into a key tourist destination with casino gaming. I even reported that back in May after I discussed the matter with Paterson at the Democratic Rural Conference.

Now all of a sudden there is criticism coming from outside of Sullivan County, and some within, that Paterson had no right to settle a land claim.

As Governor, Paterson had every right to settle the Stockbridge Munsee land claim, especially when he knew it would assist in revitalizing the entire Hudson Valley region, and bring in billions of dollars to the State of New York. It was the right thing for him to do, and we should all give him a round of applause."

Get the Story:
Bill Liblick: Why are they afraid if we get casino gaming? (The Sullivan County Democrat 12/10)