A husband can be rock steady

To the editor:

When I read Cass Collins’ “Mating for Life” column, I considered writing a letter saying how much I enjoyed the mobile metaphor. I feel much the same way about my marriage… that my husband is that weighted center, which allows me to flit about. I never wrote it. But now I have to write, having read Rusty MacKechnie’s letter.

Egad! Is this where women’s lib has brought us? I have to think that those of us who are truly liberated don’t mind saying that our husbands are our rocks… and that it’s that stability that frees us even more.

Sullivan County’s all right by me

To the editor:

Please don’t sell us out to big money interests and political gamesmanship. In the five years that I have lived in Sullivan County, I have noticed a change for the better. We are on the right path–casino money and the problems that come with it are not worth it!

I remember Sullivan County when

To the editor:

Many of the anti-casino voters either just hate Pataki and are against anything he proposes or are anti-growth at any cause. Actually, there is a third, which is naive. But I am trying to stay positive.

My question to the nay-sayers: What is your alternative to turning Sullivan county around? The new Walmart or Home Depot? I don’t think so. The area is still depressed with high unemployment. By the way, I have not found one person who could answer this question in an intelligent way.

I write this as not only a landowner who stands to benefit from this property but as a kid who use to love coming up to the Brickman Hotel during anniversary week every year having the time of my life. Now older, explaining to my family how great things used to be in the Catskills and let’s visit maybe it will get better. The answer from my wife—yuk,there is nothing to do there. I tried the Walmart approach; it did not work.

I would love for this to be the place where I can bring my family as our parents brought us. I can’t do that now.

No, casinos are not the only answer, but they are a huge part of the answer. Sullivan County can be a destination again with casinos for some; fishing, boating, hiking, great concerts, and more things for the whole family for others.

I believe that most people in the effected area are for change. I just hope that some of the old-timers realize that the way the county stands now, tourism will continue on the downslide.

Don’t be afraid of change!! It is badly needed!!

Casinos just aren’t a good idea

To the editor:

Governor Pataki’s plan for five casinos in our county is at best ill conceived and short sighted.

Perhaps casinos might have had a place in the economic picture of the economically depressed Sullivan County of 10 or 15 years ago, but at this point, they are nothing more than a cynical ploy on the part of the Governor and the so-called gaming industry. Recreational tourism and the boom in real estate are now powerful engines for the county’s economy, and the supposed economics benefits of gambling are mirages.

Gambling in Sullivan County will degrade the lives of us all, bringing crime and a raft of unnecessary economic, environmental and social ills.

I believe that in a Sullivan County with five or even three casinos, the pressing needs of increased traffic control, overcrowded schools and larger police forces will bankrupt the finances of counties and towns and force far higher taxes.

Incidentally, I am a proud union member (UAW), and I firmly believe that beyond the short-sighted interests of a few construction unions, the gambling industry works against the interests of working people and their families in our county.

Resort towns are very cool

To the editor:

I think Sullivan County would win over half the people against casinos if they’d start marketing the casinos for what they really are—resorts. That is the difference between Atlantic City and Las Vegas.

In Las Vegas, there is an almost endless amount of things to do. It’s not just slots. Straight gambling never works; its so boring.

Sure gambling is the foot in the door for most would-be visitors, but take a look at any area that has a main attraction, like major ski towns, like Stowe, VT (awesome town) or any of the mid-west places like Vail, or even Six Flags Great Adventure. I think it has a zoo! The secret to success is in the variety—that is the spice of life, after all.

I think Pataki and the county should list out the other attractions that are expected to exist in these places too, like maybe the zoo, the Olympic pools, renowned spas, shows, shopping, quaint cafes restaurants—there obviously are so many benefits!

It’s our duty to speak our minds

Our local newspapers are filled up with the proposition of five casinos in Sullivan County. Many readers are expressing their pro and con thoughts concerning this subject. Some towns in Sullivan County voted for casinos, some against and some do not voted at all. The Town of Lumberland agreed to listen to the comments of its residents at the public meeting on February 9. I personally applauded that decision.

Since at present the main topics of conversation between the people of Sullivan County are five casinos, I expected to see our town hall crowded with people. How surprised I was to see only four members of our community—only four residents in attendance! Is there any excuse for it? Is it apathy? Only four people were willing to find out what is going on and express their opinion on that vital issue.

We live in the time when many changes are taking place and it is our privilege and duty to speak our mind. Town board meetings are open to the public and you will be heard. Our elected officials are willing to listen to your opinions, ideas and complaints, if they are legitimate. You should be more active in our community. Sitting home and complaining to others won’t do any good. Dialogue between residents and town officials is very essential and highly appreciated if we should expect progress in our town.

So, do not criticize and do not talk behind your back. Come to the town board meetings, speak your mind, talk to our officials. It may have positive result for our town and it makes you fill better.

We love you Narrowsburg

To the editor:

Thank you to all who have stopped burning garbage this past year. Last year at this time we were in the throes of a battle against it. My husband and I were experiencing an eye opening and horrifying education on what we were breathing each week on our walks around town. The heavy gases produced by burning plastic, Styrofoam, treated wood, and even cardboard are poisonous, and some have been shown to affect development in children.

We have lived in Narrowsburg almost seven years. I have taken more than 2,000 walks around the flats and/or up to town. When we came here, I was so pregnant that I waddled around the flats with our dog, Birney. There were other walkers out, too, and meeting them was the beginning of many Narrowsburg friendships. This was especially important to me because I was going through a very rough time with my mom, dad, and sisters back in Texas. It wasn’t long before I felt loved by many in Narrowsburg. I’ve rarely doubted that God nestled us here on purpose. Narrowsburg is a rich place to raise children because of the love from neighbors and the community.

I enjoy my walks again and am grateful to you for finding alternative ways of disposing of garbage. I took a long walk with our oldest son on Saturday. We stopped for a while on the bridge and looked in awe at the immense cracks in the snow and ice on the Delaware.

I love you folks here in Narrowsburg. Thank you for your friendship. If we ever leave Narrowsburg, it will not be because we’re fleeing bad air, but for opportunity elsewhere or a chance to live closer to my family.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Narrowsburg—You are loved!

Keeping Callicoon’s sidewalks clear

To the editor:

In reference to the recently published comments about snow removal, Town of Delaware Highway Superintendent William Eschenberg brings convoluted reasoning to a very legitimate and simple problem. The problem is not the right or practice of citizens to discuss public issues or concerns at the coffee shop or not attending town board meetings or not practicing self-reliance. The problem is that there needs to be a mechanism to dispose of snow that builds up between the sidewalk and the street.

It should be simple to amend the town/county contract to provide this service. I further suggest when you submit your proposed budget each year you include a contingency amount for this minuscule need. Shopper, shopkeepers and public safety will all benefit. Public servants must serve the public. No excuses allowed.