From all that has been written and speculated about the use of the local share of proceeds from the Seneca Niagara Casino, one would think this debate is boiling down to a "battle" between those on the Casino Revenue Commission who want to spend the money only in Niagara Falls and those who want to spread the money throughout Niagara County. I think this view is a distortion of the truth.
I can understand and respect the views of local officials in Niagara Falls who want the money to flow into city coffers to be used for city operations and infrastructure needs. Indeed, I agree that a portion of the money should be used for just that. But as someone who helped negotiate the legislation to bring gaming here, I know firsthand that simply turning over the local share of proceeds to Niagara Falls government officials was never anyone's intention.
Instead, the prevailing view was to use a large percentage of the dollars on projects that could help revitalize the city and thereby provide a shot in the arm for the whole county, and quite frankly, the whole region. After all, I think most people would agree that a rejuvenated Niagara Falls is our best chance to bring economic prosperity to all of Niagara County.
That is why Gov. Pataki took such a keen interest in the Falls even before the compact was signed with his creation of USA Niagara Development Corp. The group has feverishly been at work on a host of projects in downtown Niagara Falls. The most recent announcement was a $2 million fund for encouraging business on Third Street.
The types of projects promoted by USA Niagara -- like the new conference and meeting center -- are the key to building on the stimulus provided by the casino. Directing casino funds to these sorts of projects creates more attractions, more economic development and ultimately more revenue for the city. Contrast this with dumping the money into government coffers -- once it's been spent, it's all gone.
I hold that same view on the need to prop up the new Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation (NTCC). Using some casino funds to better market the region throughout the world means more visitors staying in our hotels, eating in our restaurants and visiting other attractions. That also means more jobs and revenue for Niagara Falls. I think a similar argument could be made for dedicating some funds to Niagara Falls International Airport.
Basically, I hold the opinion that, after giving a reasonable portion to city government to cover its real costs incurred because of the casino, we must focus the dollars on projects in Niagara Falls that create additional economic activity.
Simply put, use the casino money to prime the pump. Remember, the casino is not our community's economic savior, but rather a helpful shot in the arm to get other activity going.
I will be happy to take criticism for not simply voting to send a blank check to Niagara Falls government and leave the mayor and City Council to decide on how to spend the casino funds. With all due respect to current and future officeholders, the city does not have a great track record on economic development.
Instead, I will advocate and vote for what I have always said from Day One should be the use of casino money -- projects that promote the long-term growth and revitalization of the Cataract City, which in turn will lead to prosperity for the whole county.
| Niagara Falls Reporter | www.niagarafallsreporter.com | December 16 2003 |