Orange County has recently added a plot twist to the fate of the once famed Borsht Belt. With only days until the applications for upstate casinos are due to the state-appointed commission, two more developers in Orange County want to steal Sullivan’s County’s one shot at a revival.

Over the past few weeks, we have made great strides in the redevelopment of Sullivan County. Development pitches have been made to transform the world-famed Grossinger’s Hotel, as well as the Concord and Nevele into casinos. The final steps towards a new Kutcher’s were also made, and morale was high. We cannot let Orange County’s proposals keep us down. This is just a minor bump in the road.

Orange County does not have the historical precedent for tourism and recreation that Sullivan County had. Nor does Orange County need the jobs or the tax breaks that Sullivan needs. Nor can Orange County brag about its highest percentage of “yes” votes [in the voter referendum], as Sullivan County can. Hopefully the board of directors will make the right choice in this matter, and help our county. Don’t give up hope. Sullivan County will leave this battle with at least one victory.

Troy Johnstone

Liberty High School Graduate, 2013

Freshman at Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY