Letter to the Editor :

If there is reluctance in Ulster County to recognize tourism as a viable solution to Economic Development, don’t tell Pat Reppert. The “Queen of Garlic” and her Garlic Festival was spawned from her unique idea; her interest in the ordinary garlic bulb and has expanded into an annual festival for over twenty years. On Saturday attendance records topped twenty thousand people in one day! A quick glance at the many out of state license plates confirms tourism is alive and well even in this economy.

In a few weeks the autumn leaves will attract thousands of tourists to our area. Visiting for the day or a long weekend, they will leave some of their recreational dollars with us. We should treat them well and be hospitable as they are part of our economic solution.

In Ulster County we have worked very hard in conservation efforts to preserve our natural scenery. It's there for us and our visitors to enjoy. It can now be part of what works for us and can help sustain us economically.

With all the complex solutions in discussion to solve our economic woes, tourism is already in place and needs very little by comparison to continue. Through creative marketing of our festivals such as the Garlic Festival, the recent car show and Horsing Around Saugerties, we are successfully promoting tourism. The Saugerties lighthouse alone is reported to draw 60,000 visitors a year. These events and historic landmarks collectively continue to bring significant revenue into our towns and county.

As a candidate, running for office along with Gary Bischoff, Alverta Jones and Nicole Tucker, we can all agree that there ARE solutions for Ulster County. Our opponents are clinging to the "no new tax" slogan without the understanding that without promoting new economic ideas and cutting costs, taxes will only go up.

We cannot dismiss the financial impact of tourism to Ulster County. As a legislator, with many years serving in the hotel and tourism industry, I will work to further develop tourism and it's untapped potential as a significant contributor to Ulster County’s economic development.
For more information please go to our website d4dems.com

Marcy Goulart
4 Underwood St., Saugerties

District 4 Legislative Candidate

Tel 246- 6920

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