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Thursday, March 3, 1985
See related resolution here

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Local community supports casino

By TOM RUE

MONTICELLO - Although the Oneida Indian Nation's bid to build a casino at the Monticello Raceway is not without detractors, vocal opponents to the proposal has been hard to find lately.

Village of Monticello officials unanimously voted on March 6 to support the plan, urging "prompt and favorable consideration of the request" by Governor George Pataki and the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

A group of investors have proposed carving a five-acre parcel from present racetrack property and designating it "traditional Indian lands," giving the Oneida National limited sovereignty and exemption from existing state anti-gambling statutes.

Monticello mayor Robert Friedland said the lengthy resolution was provided in draft form by Board of Supervisors chairman Andrew Boyar, a vocal backer of the Oneida plan. Board members said there was no need to discuss the resolution because they had all read it and agreed.

Friedland said a similar resolution would be voted on by the Thompson town board on March 7.

Village manager William Cummings reported Friedland put Speaker of the Assembly Sheldon Silver "on the spot" in a recent meeting in Albany "with regard to the casino gambling issue and I think actually made some headway with him."

Betty Friedland of Monticello said she is circulating petitions calling on "our New York State legislators to allow casino gaming at Monticello Raceway as proposed by the Oneida Nation." Mrs. Friedland said she received her copy of the petition from Linda Cellini of Sackett Lake -- wife of Thompson supervisor Tony Cellini, but she was unsure where it originated.

Mrs. Friedland said on March 6 that she had collected 1,037 signatures. Others in the community are also collecting, she said.

Many who support legalized gambling here -- whether administered by the Oneidas or by entrepreneurs of other ethnic origins -- project a boost to the local economy by benefitting area businesses.

Both Friedlands denied knowing who initiated the apparent grass-roots drive. "I don't think there is an organization. I just decided it would be a good idea and I started passing it around. I thought it was worded fairly decently and wouldn't hurt anyone," she said.

The mayor said he was criticized by a trustee, a few days before the meeting, for helping circulate the petition.

Pataki has voiced opposition to expanding tax-exempt Native American gaming operations beyond existing levels in New York.

Predicting "a very hard sales pitch to the governor," Friedland described Pataki as having a reputation for not backing down once he has taken a position. But he expressed hope Pataki will recognize that "a lot of the information he got at the beginning was not the right information."
In other business
The village board tabled a motion designating itself "lead agency" for the environmental review process relating to the proposed Sullivan Mountain Lions baseball park, reportedly at the request of team manager Peter Jameson. Friedland said plans for pro baseball remain on track, with applications pending before state and regional regulatory agencies.


A public hearing was set for March 20 at 7:00 P.M. to discuss proposed tightening of village law requiring property owners to keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Village attorney Martin Miller indicated the current statute may be unenforceable. Proposed changes will include adjusting the hours after a snowfall that sidewalks must be cleared, as well as perhaps requiring weekend clearing of sidewalks in the same timeframe as during the week, Miller said.


The board voted to create a dedicated capital reserve fund for emergency sewer repairs, which Cummings recommended rather than leaving an excess for that purpose in the general fund.


The board awarded a contract for electrical work to Kerber Electric, and a plumbing contract to Globe Construction, for work at the Monticello Sewer Treatment Plant in Kiamesha Lake.


Board members heard a brief report on the current organizational status of a proposed local affiliate chapter of Habitat for Humanity International.


Trustees voted to contribute $250 to erect an historical marker on Jefferson St. with the Sullivan County Historical Society. The Town of Thompson is giving an equal amount, Cummings said. Trustee Gary Somers voted no. Trustee Michael Levinson was absent. Cummings advised the board not to chip in toward the sign. Village taxpayers also pay town taxes, so are in effect are paying twice, he said.


Before adjourning, the board met in executive session, reportedly to discuss Cummings' employment contract, items of litigation, "and a purchase."