As a resident and taxpayer of New York State, I am registering my vehement opposition to the potential creation of off-reservation casinos in Sullivan County. We oppose the devastation these mega-casinos would bring to our unique eco-system and its thriving habitat, plant and animal life. We oppose the compromising of our water resources through the deforestation, erosion, construction blasting and risk of toxic substances entering surface and ground water and the draining of our aquifer. We fear the danger of excessive flooding that this environmental destruction would exacerbate, threatening our homes and property. We oppose the contamination of our air quality. We oppose the effect of adding hundred of thousands cars a year to our already overcrowded roadways and the adverse effects this traffic congestion would have on our business and commerce. We oppose the negative economic effects the casinos would have on our existing restaurants, bars, and family businesses. We oppose the pervasive and compelling social problems that casinos would bring including crime, prostitution, poverty, violence, child and elder abuse, chemical dependency, and suicide. We oppose the creation of what would in effect be new cities that are wholly inconsistent with the surrounding hamlets, character of the community and intimate hospitality that has traditionally attracted visitors. We support smart sustainable growth that will revive the area in a responsible way that will benefit the people who live here. We therefore petition you, Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman Maurice Hinchey and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther to stop multiple off-reservation casino developments from coming to the Catskills and to instead work to promote a sustainable future for the region. Assembywoman Aileen Gunther 18 Anawana Lake Road Monticello, NY 12701 845-794-5807 Congressman Maurice Hinchey City Hall, Third Floor 16 James St. Middletown, NY 10940 845-344-3211 Kirsten Gillibrand 780 Third Avenue Suite 2601 New York, New York 10017 212-688-6262 Senator Charles Schumer One Park Place, Suite 100 Peekskill, NY 914-734-1532

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