BILL LIBLICK "Mouth that Roars" in the Sullivan County Democrat

Does Catskill Mountainkeeper Speak for You?

by: Bill Liblick

There is a new group out there taking the lead in attempting to put a halt to Indian run Casinos for Sullivan County. They appear to have a nice sized bankroll behind them.

Catskill Mountainkeeper claims their mission is dedicated to preserving and protecting the long term health of the Catskill Region. On the surface who could disagree with them? But, when one starts to read their propaganda, one begins to realize that they are out of touch with reality and are doing so much damage.

Although they profess to listen to our concerns, and speak out on behalf of us, are they really doing just that? Of course they are not. They say with numbers they have strength. That would make us believe they have thousand of members in Sullivan County. If that is the case, it would force our elected officials to embrace them. So I ask, who are the elected officials supporting Catskill Mountainkeeper? We should all know who they are before we vote this November.

What has the potential of being extremely harmful for us is the letter campaign Catskill Mountainkeeper has embarked on urging Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne not to approve the St. Regis Mohawk proposed casino at Monticello Raceway. Their argument is flawed and filled with false rhetoric.

They begin their diatribe arguing Route 17 will be filled with traffic and harm our environment. Then they make outlandish statements that there will be a sever impact on fly fishing if casinos are constructed. They also use the fear element that casinos will bring crime.

A casino at Monticello Raceway will be environmentally sound. No trees will be cut down, its location is easily accessible from the highway and it is not being built on farmlands.

In fact, the proposed casino will be a Green Casino utilizing our local farmers for purchases.

Talk about traffic, has Catskill Mountainkeeper been in Orange County lately? That is where their fight should be.

Their argument that a casino will create traffic jams is pure nonsense. What about when Sullivan County was the home to hundreds of resort hotels and bungalow colonies? How did these people get there? Did a genie magically place them there? No - they arrived there by less fuel efficient, less environmentally sound vehicles. People will arrive and leave a casino at no set timeframes.

Using fear tactics claiming casinos will bring crime is criminal within itself. The benefit for all of us will be more far reaching than just a visible gaming casino. Over 3,000 jobs will be created. High-end retail stores, five star hotels, renowned spas, gourmet restaurants, and entertainment that only places like Las Vegas can deliver will all become part of our Sullivan County.

Other issues Catskill Mountainkeeper have labeled a concern to them is that farmland is being sold to developers at “a frightening pace.” They should be telling their fellow farmers not to sell their land. This is America and people can do as they please with their property.

I must admit there are two issues I strongly agree with Catskill Mountainkeeper. They want to stop New York Regional Interconnect (NYRI) and they want more research and government funding to prevent and help those affected by floods.

It would be nice if Catskill Mountaineer changed their focus and concentrated on the NYRI and the impact floods have on our region, but they probably threw that in as a sideline. I see no billboards on highways or ads alluding to these topics. No doubt their real mission sadly is to destroy our hopes to revitalize Sullivan County with legalized Indian run casino gaming.