To the editor:

Webster's definition of gambling is “the practice of risking money or other stakes”. Sullivan County should not have gambled on the profits that the new casino would bring.

I am not opposed to the opening of the casino and all the jobs and well needed commerce it provides to Sullivan County, I don't think the County should have budgeted in “gambling profits”. As a result, we have a tax on fuel deliveries and possible additional tipping fees at our transfer stations.

This is just another slam to families stricken by hardships this year. To county legislatures: Shame On You. I'm sure I will also see this reflected in my January town and county tax bill. Please don't blame this on the virus. The responsibility of government is to budget in emergencies. You gambled and lost.