It’s been five months since NY Govorner Elliott Spitzer gave his approval to build a casino in Monticello, and the project is exactly where it was five months ago. It seemed that everything was ready to go, but still no word from Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne on whether he’ll approve the St. Regis Mohawk casino at Monticello Gaming & Raceway.
According to the Times Herald Record, the Bureau of Indian Affairs completed its review more than a month ago.
“Governor Spitzer has spoken on several occasions to Secretary Kempthorne, and he’ll continue to press the secretary for his approval,” Spitzer’s spokeswoman, Christine Pritchard, said. “The conversations were substantive in nature, including the governor’s explanation as to why the casino would benefit both the tribe and New York state.”
Kempthorne is touring Guam and other American possessions in the Pacific. Spitzer is planning another call when Kempthorne returns this week.
“The Tribe has remained confident and optimistic “¦,” the Mohawks said in a statement yesterday. “We are hopeful approval is in fact imminent.”
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8 Responses
Hopefully the casino will never open. If it does it will yet another nisayon for our times!
true that,avrohomk
u both have excellent points
i agree with Post #4
oops I meant I agree with post #3
Avrohom K and the others, many of the Roshei Yeshiva and Gedolim in the Catskill area are very, very pro the casinos and the Indians. Firstly, because of the additional tax revenue and tax base, secondly becuase it will greatly increase fundraising for loacl yeshivos, and thirdly, they expect a year round presence of frum yidden to develop.
I don’t know one Rosh Yeshiva who wants the casinos and all the ta’aruves that they bring.
michaelr – Bring your proof — name the venerable Roshie Yeshiva and Gedolim in the Catskills (or anywhere) that are Pro casinos.
go ahead, we’ll sit here and wait for you to do so. We won’t, however, hold our breath while waiting.