Bonacic: "i Will Oppose Any Casino In Towns That Do Not Want Them"

State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/I/C - Mt. Hope), will oppose efforts to cite a casino in the Town of Saugerties, "or any other municipality" which does not want one. "I believe in municipal home rule. If Saugerties’ elected leaders do not want a casino located in the Town, I will oppose any effort to do so," Bonacic said. The full Saugerties Town Board is expected to consider this issue on June 8, according to a report in the Daily Freeman.

According to area media reports, the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe is considering the Winston Farm as a potential site for casino development. Saugerties Town Supervisor Greg Helsmoortel and Saugerties Village Mayor Robert Yerrick have both expressed opposition to the plan.

Senator Bonacic also said he would advise Tribes and Nations against trying to open a casino in any Town in his Senate District which does not want one. He added that he did not expect the Seneca-Cayuga or any other "legitimate Native American Tribe or Nation" to attempt to open a casino in a Town where they are not wanted.

"Any tribe that attempts to circumvent the local municipality by negotiating an agreement with the County, to open a casino in a Town which does not want one, would earn my steadfast opposition to ever doing business in our Senate District. Home rule is an essential part of New York’s government and one I expect will be honored," Bonacic said.

Saugerties Town Supervisor Helsmoortel said, "I appreciate knowing that the Town has Senator Bonacic’s support on this matter. I have spent a considerable amount of time reviewing this issue and simply do not believe a casino is in Saugerties’ best interests."

"I will continue to do all I can to support municipal home rule and believe Ulster County’s representatives in the Assembly and Congress will do the same," concluded Senator Bonacic.

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