Pataki rolls single die

By DAVID HULSE

ALBANY, NY — Three and five didn’t work, so like an unsuccessful player in a numbers pool Governor George Pataki switched to one last week, introducing a law that would provide solely for a proposed Mohawk casino at Kutshers.

Pataki’s June 9 proposal would provide for the casino, $30 million in payments to the tribe, $4 million annually, plus back taxes to St. Lawrence and Franklin counties, and free state college tuition to St. Regis Mohawk students.

The deal would also include a trade agreement calling for the collection of most state and local sales taxes. The Catskills Fund, state money for infrastructure, was not included but was mentioned in the governor’s statement as legislation that would be developed later.

Based on that omission, State Senator John Bonacic reportedly was doubtful about the bill’s likelihood for approval in the current legislative session.

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther was a bit more sanguine, calling the Mohawk application the least controversial of the various tribal applications for casinos. “I think it’s [one casino built by St. Regis Mohawks] more palatable to the people,” she said.

Congressman Maurice Hinchey weighed in saying the proposal was in “the best interests of Sullivan County residents, who for a while had been threatened with the prospect of five casinos sprouting up in their backyards.”

Casino opponents remained adamant.

“Less of a bad idea is still a bad idea,” said Joan Thursh of Casino Free Sullivan County. “Besides, we don’t believe for one moment that one casino in the Catskills is all this governor has in mind,” she said.