Casino opponents present over 2,000 petition signatures to c

Members of the group Casino Free Sullivan County presented petitions strongly opposing any casinos in the county, to county legislatures during their regular monthly session Thursday. The petitions contain 2,231 signatures, as of yesterday, but organizers say it is an ongoing effort. Susan Lynn Brown, of Bethel, said they are having no problem getting people on their side. “As people become education and as you start talking about the issues, and talking through them, the tide as turned and more people oppose casinos in Sullivan County.” In remarks prepared for public comment, Brown said they have “researched the impacts and consequences of casino gambling, both globally and locally, and found that casinos produce no new wealth”. She also argued that the county was failing to provide open forums for public discussion, making efforts to limit access to relevant information, and have been generally ignoring constituents. Casino Gaming Committee Chairman Jonathan Rouis rejected those contentions. “I don’t think we’ve ignored any constituents. We’ve held several open meetings since I’ve been on the board and heading this committee,” he said. “Whenever we’ve had an update, it’s always been a formal in the public update, so I’m not sure where that’s coming from.” As for the petition itself, Rouis said they take any input seriously. “We’re going to take what they have to say seriously and do the best job we can,” he said. Rouis added they have never “painted the casinos as the economic savior of the county,” but as part of a greater economic plan, or a “piece of the puzzle” as he calls it.