Casino looms large in Sullivan; Samuelson gives state of county address

Posted 8/21/12

MONTICELLO, NY — The coming of the Adelaar/Montreign destination resort and casino was at the top of the State of Sullivan County address delivered by county chair Scott Samuelson on May 15 at the …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Casino looms large in Sullivan; Samuelson gives state of county address

Posted

MONTICELLO, NY — The coming of the Adelaar/Montreign destination resort and casino was at the top of the State of Sullivan County address delivered by county chair Scott Samuelson on May 15 at the government center in Monticello.

He said, “Sullivan County stands on the precipice of an extraordinary moment in time. We have been offered the chance to revive the industry that was once the lifeblood of this county, the region and all of New York State for generations.”

While he said the gaming license was essential to the process, it is “ancillary development that we anticipate that will truly make all the difference.”

He noted that the Sullivan County Center for Workforce Development and the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development are working together on a workforce development plan in anticipation of the creation of local jobs.

Samuelson also touched on some of the major challenges facing the county, such as the rough conditions of many of the county roads. The legislature has approved bonding over the past two years for $12 million for repairs, but “Edward McAndrew, commissioner of public works, has indicated that more than $60 million of highway reconstruction and repairs are currently needed in addition to more than $60 million for bridges.”

He said, “It is imperative that we begin to formulate a multi-year plan to address this critical situation.”

He also touched on the scandal at the Sullivan County Division of Family Services (DFS) over the winter and the backlog of applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which led to the ouster of former DFS Commissioner Randy Parker. He said, “Balancing our obligation to provide services to our truly needy and keeping a vigilant eye on preventing fraud, waste and abuse is a monumental challenge, and we cannot let up on either front.”

Samuelson concluded the well attended speech saying, “Sullivan County’s best years are truly ahead of us, as long as we are willing to put in the time and effort necessary to make the most of the opportunities that have been presented to us.”

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here