"When it comes to allowing more casinos in New York — including finally getting one built in the Catskills — Gov. Andrew Cuomo's suggestion is not nearly as unique as it is abundantly feasible and level-headed: Explore amending the New York state Constitution.

For the record, some people — including members of the Poughkeepsie Journal editorial board — have been advocating this approach for nearly a decade, shortly after the 9/11 attacks when the state was scrambling for ways to come up with new revenues with the economy reeling.

At the time, the notion was essentially laughed out of the legislative halls in Albany by state leaders who viewed it as far too cumbersome and time-consuming to undertake.

Yes, amending the state constitution requires approval by two consecutive Legislatures, then by voters in a statewide referendum. But the state could have had this wrapped up in 2005 at the latest. Now, more than halfway through 2011, the state is nowhere on the issue."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Casino solution was there all along (The Poughkeepsie Journal 8/21)

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