Legislature bombs bingo

By DAVID HULSE

MONTICELLO — Without naming any developer specifically, the Sullivan County Legislature’s Executive Committee on May 9 approved a resolution finding that “‘High Stakes’ bingo [is] not in the best interest of the county in general.”

While they were not named, the resolution spoke directly to a proposal by the Unkechaug Indian Nation of Long Island to operate a bingo parlor at the Apollo Mall in Monticello.

The resolution went on to say Sullivan would not support bingo operations by any tribe or other commercial entity and does not support “strip type” casino development along any of its main streets.

Legislative chair Rusty Pomeroy (D-3) emphasized that neither of the county’s two other tribal agreements include bingo or untaxed tobacco sales, which the Unkechaugs reportedly would feature. “[An Apollo bingo parlor] would be in direct controvention to our two earlier agreements,” and Pomeroy said the Mohawks and Mohicans would likely return to seek similar arrangements.

The tribal venture has other problems. While recognized by the state, the Unkechaugs are not a federally recognized tribe and therefore are not eligible for federal gaming approval. Without federal approval and a recognized tribal property, the operation would be in violation of state law and state and local law enforcement authorities say they would move against it, if it should open.

“They can’t preempt state law. There is a process,” Sullivan County Attorney Ira Cohen said.

“And high stakes bingo is unconstitutional,” under state law, Pomeroy added “[as is casino gambling.]”

“We’re going to fight any proposal that’s not in the best interests of the county, including litigation. That’s what we’ll do,” he said.

If they thought they had the ability to do it, they would have done it in Long Island,” said Leni Binder (D-7). “I think it’s a fake,” she said.

Rodney Gaebel (RC-5) said the Unkechaugs’ recent $5.6 million purchase of the mall was “a shell game. It’s the same people involved. There’s no new investment,” he said.