\u201cI think the best possible social program is a job,\u201d said Legislator Dennis Mullen during a special meeting of the Tioga County Legislature on Thursday, and quoting Ronald Reagan. This was followed by the discussion and approval of a resolution, approved by Tioga County\u2019s legislature that is calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to support the southern tier by re-opening Tioga Downs.<\/p>\n
Last week the Nichols, N.Y. casino and resort was listed in New York State\u2019s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) database as being slated for closure and the layoff of personnel at its Nichols, N.Y. Casino and its Racino in Vernon, N.Y. if things couldn\u2019t be re-opened. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe are aware the governor is busy, but we need our Tioga Downs open,\u201d said Tioga County\u2019s Legislative Chair, Martha Sauerbrey, when she opened the resolution for a vote.<\/p>\n She noted that Tioga Downs provides over 600 jobs in Nichols, N.Y., and over 900 total with its sister facility in Vernon, N.Y., Vernon Downs.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we\u2019re doing so good in New York State, people need something to do,\u201d said Legislator Loretta Sullivan, adding, \u201cPeople from around the state can travel here to the casino and stay local.\u201d<\/p>\n Legislator Mullen added, \u201cTioga Downs provides tens of millions for all counties, and hundreds of jobs. We need them open.\u201d<\/p>\n Another press conference was planned for Friday at P.J. Clarke\u2019s at Tioga Downs\u2019 facility. Lawmakers were encouraged to attend the press event in support of Jeff Gural, owner, and Tioga Downs.<\/p>\n \u201cHe has done so much for this community,\u201d added Legislator Sullivan.<\/p>\n