No one needs to be reminded of our economic disaster — a trip by the vacant Imperial Schrade and Hydro Aluminum factories is enough to reinforce the sense of hopelessness and despair still raging through our community. The downfall of two manufacturing giants, among the town of Wawarsing's largest industries, resulted in the loss of at least a 1000 jobs, striking a huge blow to the heart and soul of southern Ulster County.

The closing of the Nevele Hotel added even more job losses, and the anguish and misery didn't end there as a growing list of smaller businesses and stores, feeling the ripple effect, also closed and are continuing to close, putting more people out of work. A further example, the Collier Motor Car Company, shutdown our last auto dealer and illustrates the disappointment of a struggling community. Although they employed only a handful, this closure helped increase our staggering unemployment rate to over 20 percent.

In the wake of our economic tragedy, I'm occasionally reminded that it was only a few years ago when gambling was a hot issue in Ulster County. Many of our local citizens thought this would be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. An Indian Tribe from Oklahoma, the Modocs, were interested in establishing a gambling casino and hotel in the Town of Wawarsing, to the point of offering a proposal, which, ultimately, at least in theory, was accepted by the Ulster County Legislature. At the time, the Modocs claimed their operation needed 6,000 employees to run their enterprise, practically all local people, and Kelly's field, two miles south of Ellenville was the suggested site. Since Indian Tribes are exempt from paying any taxes, the Modocs plan was to make payments in lieu of taxes to: Ulster County, Town of Wawarsing, Ellenville Central School, the Fire Companies, Rescue Squad and others as well. We're talking big bucks, in the millions. Many, in and out of government were excited at the possibility of gambling coming to our community, but there were others who were not so inclined to the notion of gaming in our midst. However, there was a glitch. The State of New York law states that any Indian run gambling casino must be recognized as tribal residents of the state of which there are only seven, and the Modoc Tribe is not one of them. But there was a light at tunnel's end, then-Governor George Pataki was willing to talk to them.

Long story short, the naysayers won the argument and persuaded the Ulster County Legislature to pass a resolution banning gambling in the county, which essentially drove a stake through the heart of casino gaming within our borders. But this might be a moot point anyway, since New York State is required to adopt a resolution legalizing a level three casino, which includes table games as well as slot machines, before the first shovel breaks ground. This they have not done, at least not yet.

What makes this scenario even more interesting is that our economy at the time was much better: our factories were running at full steam, the resort hotels were open, and Collier's and a number of other small businesses were open as well. That was then, however; and now, times are not so good.

Which leads me to wonder if it might be possible to revisit the gambling issue; and for both the State and County to realize the financial benefits casino gambling would bring to our area. Yes, there are drawbacks; I think everyone understands that. Many other states have adopted laws legalizing gambling as a means to support their budget needs, and all levels of government need to keep taxes down.

It's an interesting question especially in wake of our economic downturn. We need something here in Wawarsing; our unemployment is the highest in the county and probably the region. I'm not sure manufacturing is ever going to come back, at least not to the point where it was. I'm interested in learning what the present mood is on casino gambling in our community and I think you should too. Let me know your opinion, give me a call at (845) 210-4363, or drop me a line, P.O. Box 156, Wawarsing, NY 12489. I hope I hear from you, after all, it is our future.