We ended 2014 with bad news in the Southern Tier.  We lost the casino bid and fracking was banned.

On the upside, something good usually comes out of the bad. I am sure it wasn't lost on you that the reaction of Tioga Downs and Traditions at the Glen was they will work together to bring a casino here.

That first reaction opens the door to the only thing that will save this area; cooperation between regional officials, businesses, and the community. No one on the state level (no offense Senator Libous) is going to help us. That has been proven over and over again.

We need to save us.

Did you know that the Southern Tier has the highest unemployment in the state? Did you also know that we lost more manufacturing jobs than most of the country's regions?

If everyone bands together to work on a solution for our own people, it will make a huge difference.  It is the responsibility of all, including you, to participate in this process. There is no room for bystanders. We are talking about your home here.

Get ready for 2015 to be the year of solutions.

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