The statewide referendum to allow 7 state-sanctioned casinos in New York State passed on Election Day.  As a result, the Catskill region will likely see at least one Las Vegas style casino.   Mountainkeeper opposed the referendum, arguing that the costs outweigh the potential benefits. Now, Mountainkeeper will work with the Governor, local elected officials and developers to ensure that the best location is chosen, and that the negative impacts of a casino are mitigated as much as possible.  Our aim is to make sure that the casino succeeds in having a positive impact on the region, and lives up to the promises to create jobs, lower taxes and support education.  There is a thoughtful editorial on this in the Albany Times Union and we encourage everyone – both proponents and opponents of the referendum to read it here:

Watch ABC News’ report on the referendum with Mountainkeeper’ response here: