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Belleayre Supporters Decry Audit Calls Vow continued support for New York State Ski Center Operation
05/30/2008
Belleayre Mt. Ski Center supporters reacted swiftly today to calls from Greene County for another audit of the New York State owned and operated ski center. "This is an attack on all New York State recreation facilities and on the concept of the state acting for the public good - an attack being made for the benefit of a few very wealthy families in a single county," said Coalition to Save Belleayre leader, Joe Kelly. "We will not let this attack stand. Our members will be calling on Comptroller DiNapoli to stand fast in his decision to ignore the demand for yet another audit. We are also urging leaders in other counties and supporters of other state recreation facilities to step up and respond about the importance of state owned and operated recreation facilities in their regions."
Kelly went on to say that "this is another selfish and self-centered attack on the skiers of the State of New York State by Wayne Speenburgh, acting as proxy for the wealthy ski owners of Hunter and Windham. This is not in the interest of the skiers of the State of New York and certainly not in the interest of Ulster or Delaware County." Kelly pointed out that Belleayre Mountain's operation is mandated by the state constitution, reaffirmed by a vote of the citizens of the state in 1987, to provide a service for the people of the State of New York and to provide an economic stimulus for the central Catskills. "The constitution did not mandate Belleayre to be a for-profit operation," said Kelly. He added "the Constitution did not mandate Belleayre to benefit a few wealthy ski owners nor did it mandate Belleayre to provide a second class experience to its citizens."
Kelly, who has been fighting to save Belleayre Mt. since before Governor Cuomo wanted to close it in 1984, went on to note that in those days, the private sector ski centers actually came out to support Belleayre's operation. "It might be time for New York State skiers to send a message to Greene County, Hunter, and Windham that higher lift ticket prices and emphasis on real estate sales are not in their interest. Mr. Speenburgh seems to feel that the profits to a few, from higher lift ticket prices and real estate sales, are more important than state recreational facilities are for all citizens.
Joan Lawrence-Bauer, a former employee at Belleayre Mt., noted that Greene County's arguments just don't hold water. "The comment that Belleayre operates without any financial accountability is ludicrous and totally without merit. Belleayre is the most scrutinized, audited and accountable facility the state operates. The fact is, the state of New York runs a better ski mountain and that's why skiers are going there."
Bob Linge, owner of Cold Spring Lodge in Oliverea and a member of the Belleayre Region Lodging and Tourism Association, said Belleayre Mt. does compete on an even track. "If they didn't have to compete fairly, they'd be charging $25 every day." Linge noted that Belleayre Mt. is an economic catalyst in a poverty stricken region. "Most of the discounts they offer are offered through local lodges and other tourism businesses and they are designed to get skiers staying overnight and spending money in the community.
Hunter and Windham serve a different function. There has always been room for the state and the private ski centers to co-exist and that should continue to be the case."
Kelly called on members of his coalition to remind their legislators that Belleayre offers opportunities for average, working class families to ski, opportunities that would not otherwise be available. "It offers jobs, at good wages and with bright futures, to residents of the region, economic stimulus to every Mom and Pop business in the region, and an outdoor recreation experience that is, at this point, unparalleled in the region. We need Belleayre expanded, not audited, and we will not stop in our efforts until those goals are realized," Kelly said. He encouraged supporters to sign on-line petitions at www.supportthecompromise.com, and to keep in touch by visiting the Coalition to Save Belleayre website at www.coalitionforbelleayre.com , and to call and write their own elected officials.
Contact: Joe Kelly
516-510-6941
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