| Late last week, Governor David Paterson announced that he had signed 68 bills into law and vetoed another 14 bills that he felt would save the state money. Actually, the total savings was estimated at $5.4 million.
Of that "savings", $2.25 million of that would have gone to the creating of a War of 1812 Bicentennial Celebration Commission. The commission would have been used to promote War of 1812 sites in New York. Whether it is up near Lake Champlain and Plattsburgh, where a key War of 1812 battle took place, or Old Fort Niagara that was captured by the British in 1813 only to be returned to the United States at the end of the war.
As a lover of history and tourism, I find it very discouraging that the governor, citing the current economic crisis, would veto a bill creating such a commission. Is the initial price tag high? Maybe. Paying $2.25 million is a lot of money, but in the grand scheme of things, it's a tiny amount when comparing that payment to the whole budget.
If there is one thing I have learned about New York, it is that we don't promote our history and we don't promote the crown jewels that we have. For such a small investment, the state (and local businesses) would see a great reward.
From the Buffalo News:
The state's War of 1812 historic sites already conduct programs and host re-enactments, Paterson said. He encouraged existing boards as well as state and local agencies to work together to promote commemorative events.
Supporters of the commission say Canada has already put money into planning for the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.
"They see the economic and cultural benefits," Emerson said. "So much of the War of 1812 happened here. The ball has been dropped, and it's extremely embarrassing."
Without the right planning, a hodgepodge schedule of events could give short shrift to heritage tourists like Michael and Marilyn Zepf of Chicago, who visited Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown on Saturday.
"They're already getting short shrift," Michael Zepf said of historical sites across the country.
Over the years, the two have visited historic battlefields and other historic sites across the country, even traveling along the Lewis and Clark trail and Route 66 to learn more about the country's history.
What do they too often find? Reduced hours. No brochures. Closed facilities. Few tours.
During the past two weeks, the two drove along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, from its northernmost point at Massena to Youngstown.
Nowhere along the trail could they find a guidebook with information about the War of 1812 sites they visited.
...
Robert Emerson, executive director of Old Fort Niagara, sat on a state commission created to commemorate 250th anniversary events for the French and Indian War.
Thousands of visitors pumping millions of dollars into local economies have come to upstate historic sites since 2005 - including more than 2,300 who gathered in Youngstown over the July Fourth holiday weekend to re-enact six battles over three days.
Some $75,000 in commission funding helped organize Old Fort Niagara's re-enactment, which led to $1.8 million spent by visitors during that weekend, Emerson said.
"It's a $75,000 investment with a $1.8 million return," Emerson said. "I think that's very good."
Mr. Emerson is correct. It is very good.
If the state wants to cut the deficit, they are going to have to look at ways of bringing in revenue. Cuts alone aren't going to work and that has been proven, even though Paterson continues to think that he can cut the deficit away.
That is where tourism dollars can come in. Events like this can bring in a lot of money, not only for local businesses, but for the state through sales tax. If you promote it and use it right, then you will see the benefits. But when you veto something like this, it is a very narrow and wrong-headed thing to do, especially when it could bring in millions of dollars over a two or three year period. |
