Open minds on EPCAL casino
Candidates say they will weigh all options
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Keeping their options open.
That's how most of those running for town offices in Riverhead answered the question regarding a potential casino at the Enterprise Park at Calverton during a candidates forum in Calverton last Wednesday.
At present, a casino could not be built there unless a federally recognized Native American tribe was involved. The Shinnecock Nation is hoping to obtain federal recognition by the end of the year, and is interested in pursuing a gaming facility in association with financial backers.
Where they would built it is undecided. The tribe has recently expressed interest in contracting for proposed casinos at Aqueduct or Belmont racetrack, but has in the past explored the EPCAL site as a possible location.
Riverhead Town Supervisor Phil Cardinale has said he's discussed the possibility of a casino at EPCAL with both the Shinnecocks and the Poospatucks of Mastic, as did his predecessor, Bob Kozakiewicz. But Mr. Cardinale, a Democrat seeking his third two-year term, has said the discussion stalls on the Shinnecocks' lack of federal recognition.
At last Wednesday's forum, sponsored by the Greater Calverton and Wading River civic associations, Mr. Cardinale said merely, "I think I would keep all options open at EPCAL," and then began criticizing things his opponent, Sean Walter, had said earlier in the forum.
"I'm probably on the side that says it would be very difficult for me to accept, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to keep my eyes and ears open and research it," Mr. Walter said. "I can't answer it beyond that. I don't think it's going to happen."
"I would certainly consider a casino but I would want to make sure that Riverhead gets the lion's share of the tax receipts," said John Stefans, the Democratic candidate for the two-year term vacated by Tim Buckley in March. "This doesn't happen in Connecticut. The state takes it all."
Shirley Coverdale, a Democratic candidate for a four-year council seat, had a similar response: "We don't need a casino where they take all of the benefits and leave us with all of the problems." She said she'd keep her options open.
"We have to fully investigate the pros and cons and leave our options open," said Kathy Berezny, the other Democratic council candidate.
Rose Sanders, running for the two-year council seat on the Working Families party line, said she's talked to residents in Preston, Conn., about the impact of a nearby casino.
"Their answers were all almost the same. Too much traffic, no high-paying jobs that could sustain family life and, most importantly, no tax relief."
She said that if a casino spelled big tax relief for Riverhead, then "I'm open to suggestions.
George Gabrielsen, the Republican candidate for the two-year council seat, said the town would have to research "all possible economic, traffic, social and moral issues" on a casino, adding, "I'd eventually like to put it up for referendum and let the voters decide."
Jodi Giglio, a Republican candidate for a four-year council seat, also said the town needs to "explore all options possible at EPCAL." As for the Shinnecocks, she said, "Are they even interested in coming here or are they going to Belmont? I'm told they're not interested."
She said that if the casino could drastically lower property taxes, it would be worth considering. Republican Council candidate John Dunleavy, an incumbent, was not present at the Calverton forum due to a death in his family.
tgannon@timesreview.com
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