THE POT OF GOLD

The promises! The lure!               

Oh, the big fuss over the casinos! EVERYONE has jumped on board and sees it as the panacea for all the ills for the municipalities in OC; despite the fact that the market is over-saturated and other issues. (Please don’t bore Auntie with statements like “why should PA and other states get all the revenue? We need the jobs, they will hire local people”. Because that is just plain ignorant.)

Anyway, in regard to the casinos, specifically the Greenetrack proposal in New Windsor, Steven Neuhaus said it was “a once in a lifetime” (opportunity).

Unless you count the one in Blooming Grove…

Or the one in Woodbury…

Or the one in Tuxedo/Sterling Forest…

Or right next to the “once in a lifetime” is the Newburgh proposal.

Now, in regard to the same proposal, James Petro said “The multiplier effect on the local economy will be huge” Jimmy currently serves as the Town of New Windsor’s Land Development Manager (Auntie did not make that up-they did).

Just a note, the Casinos may actually hurt the local businesses. How many local restaurants and businesses closed in AC since the establishment of casinos? Quite a few. Yeah, having casinos really helped their economy.

And the casinos themselves are having a difficult time. The former Atlantic City Hilton closed in January. Almost half of the remaining casinos have lost money in a 9 month period in 2013. (Go to the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement website). The “on-line” gambling is supposed to make up for the shortfall of middle and low income women over 50 spending their income(s) at the slots. (Auntie did not make that up either, the “over 50 women” is a demographic tracked by the gambling industry and the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement.)

To focus on New York, here is an excerpt from the State Comptroller’s report: “Trends in New York State Lottery Revenues and Gaming Expansions” May 2014 Thomas P. DiNapoli New York

“When casino wagering displaces consumer spending, sales tax revenue may be reduced, in some cases more than offsetting the new casino tax revenue. Some researchers conclude that when a casino draws a large percentage of visitors from outside the area, the displacement effect will be minimized, as there is less local consumer spending diverted from non-casino goods and services to casino spending. A casino that is located near state borders could attract more out-of-state visitors than a casino located in the state’s interior. However, the proliferation of gaming facilities in neighboring states in recent years may reduce New York’s ability to attract out-of-state gamblers.”

Auntie Alibi just asks that the elected officials in the potential host communities just take a deep look at whatever proposal is submitted. After all, that’s what you were elected to do.

Now, back to Petro. Here is someone who keeps turning up like a bad penny. Petro is the former county legislator (appointed) who did not win the election; he is Mr. IDA; former Chairman of the NW Planning board and has served in a number of other roles in the Orange County scene. And remember his thoughtful, insightful musings about county issues:

"Screw Hamptonburgh," Petro wrote, "If an atom bomb dropped on Hamptonburgh it would do $9 in damage." (THR 3-6-12 James Walsh)

Petro said. "Would you rather have someone there with drool coming out of his mouth, or someone doing something?" (THR 3-25-12 James Walsh)

When he lost the legislative race, Petro said: "My opponent will find out, as much as Mr. Obama, that it's harder to govern than to campaign."  (THR 11-09-11 Chris McKenna)

And the famous: "What's wrong with you people?" In regard to Valley View supporters.

What Class!

We wonder where he will turn up next. Perhaps, he will be a new “Pit Boss” at the casino in New Windsor, or better yet, perhaps he will be the new chief administrator of the newly created Office of Nursing Homes since he has demonstrated such thoughtfulness and sensitivity in his comments.

Nah! He definitely would be a better pit boss, he has the right personality for it. Maybe he could make some connections as the New Windsor Land Development Manager?

 

Now that would lead to a good quote.