HERE & THERE COLUMN

Here & There See's A Big Difference

   While crisscrossing the country through six states last week it became very apparent to me that Sullivan County in New York and Sevier County in Gatlinberg, Tenn. sit on two opposite ends of the economic spectrum.
   I like what I read in email's about a business symposium and jump-starting the revitalization of the small business climate but would like to see the symposium expanded to include the entire county.
   We are suffering folks and I honestly believe we need much more than a Casino to breathe new life into our county......a Casino will help but it is not the total problem solver.
   Is it fair for me to compare an area like Gatlinberg and Pigeon Forge, Tenn. to Sullivan County? ....... I think it is because both are resort areas with Sevier County attracting thousands of visitors daily because of a long-lasting tradition, the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains and a vast variety of amazing attractions, outdoor adventures, shopping, restaurants and hotel and motel accommodations.
  We have had a long-lasting tradition and we do have the natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains, some of the greatest golf courses in the country but have to add more attractions like Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, outdoor adventures, shopping etc. etc. We need a county that will stay with tourists for years to come.
  The reason millions of visitors  go to the treasured setting of the Smoky Mountains is to witness and experience the splendor of the mountain area....well we do have the splendor of the Catskill Mountain area so why now make it a destination visitors want to visit.
   For so many years we just seem to sit back and complain about the decline of our county and the economic stress everyone has and of course municipalities and school districts do not have any increase in the tax base and this all adds up to property tax increases which only adds to our financial woes.
  Building a new econoimic base and the revitalization of all is of great importance to the health and well being of everyone.
  Not an easy task but we think it's mandatory this get's done.