Good news. Really. In these tough economic times where all the news is grim there is a bright spot in the economy, our economy. It is tourism.

The recent Oxford Economics report concludes that statewide tourism increased by eight percent. Pretty good, huh? But hold onto your hats: tourism in Sullivan County jumped 10.7%, yup, almost 11%.

Tourism in Sullivan County generated $21 million in local Sullivan County taxes and another $21 million in New York State taxes. Forty-two million dollars generated by visitor spending of $345.

Nineteen percent of Sullivan County workers are employed in this clean, sustainable and growing industry.

Tourism is a success for Sullivan County and for my town of Callicoon. The math is clear: more tourism equals more jobs. It is a formula for prosperity.

Jill Wiener

Candidate for Town of Callicoon Council

Callicoon Center, NY