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How do you suggest making the pols in Albany cut the taxes in this state? They tax business to death, as well as people. They always have.
Obviously, I cannot force the politicians to reduce taxes by putting a gun to their heads. Nor can I coerce the majority of NYS voters to elect better politicians. My interpretation of the original question was how I would reduce taxes if I had the power to do so (hypothetically speaking, of course). I already went over in another thread how tax cuts could be made possible from a budget standpoint. As an ordinary taxpayer, all I can do is vote with my feet. Many an ex-New Yorker have already cast this "vote" and many more will follow as long as the taxes remain oppressive in this state.
How much would the taxpayers have to pay for a Formula 1 track? Can we afford it? Would any private investors be interested in such a proposal?
I agree that it would be depend on private interest or if the state could use some of the funding it had slated for the casinos to such a project, it could be a reality. Like I mentioned before, these are rough ideas, but my reasoning for mentioning something like this is the international appeal of the sport. That along with the international pull to both sides of the Falls and it's proximity to a world class city such as Toronto, as well as other race fans, could allow for this idea to come to fruition. Here's some interesting information: List of Formula One circuits - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
There are circuits in Detroit and Bowmanville ON. So, you may have some competition, but with the tourist attractions already in place and with Canadians coming over to shop, you could use this as another way to attract people to the city in a unique way along the lines of Watkins Glen.
In the context of Niagara Falls, saying that there were "a few" irresponsible companies isn't totally out of line. "Region 2" includes all of New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and eight tribal nations. Did you even bother to read the website you posted?
But shame on me for saying that it would be good for a productive class (that would comply with environmental standards) to emerge in Niagara Falls. It's obvious that you are just looking to pick a fight with me, Linda. Give it a rest already.
Your implication was that only a few manufacturers dumped wastes. The fact is that all manufacturers that produced toxic waste dumped it on whatever land they owned or into rivers and streams until the US and state governments started forcing them to clean up their acts in the 1970s. That's what "tens of thousands of toxic waste sites" throughout the country means.
Your implication was that only a few manufacturers dumped wastes
No it wasn't, at least not in the context of Niagara Falls. You expanded the scope to include the entire country, when I was talking strictly about Niagara Falls. In the context of Niagara Falls, posting the exact number of irresponsible companies vs. saying "a few" is a matter of splitting hairs. Not even worth debating about since I actually agree with your condemnation of these irresponsible companies, regardless of scope.
Getting back to the original point I was trying to make (before you completely sidetracked the discussion), I have a simple question for you, Linda. Assuming any new "productive class" that emerges in Niagara Falls would be environmentally-conscious, would you rather have Niagara Falls attract these types of people? Or would you rather have NF continue to be a haven for gangbangers, drug addicts, welfare abusers, and other lowlife crud? This question seems like a no-brainer, but with you I never know.
I've spent quite a bit of time in both Niagaras. One thing that most people don't know is the debate about when/if a casino is opened in Toronto. If this is the case, Niagara Falls, ON could be in big trouble. They're being hit with a one-two punch: fewer patrons from the largest city in Canada, as well as fewer US patrons whose money is worth much less at the casino...they stop by once, lose a lot of money, and never come back. This isn't to say that there aren't other things to see and do there (great concerts, events, the marathon in October, hiking, etc) but the bread and butter is definitely those casinos. The facade of Niagara Falls, ON downtown is all tied in to their casinos. And if Toronto gets their own, and if the US dollar is worth any less, and if the Buffalo region loses more people, then where is the money to support their casino going to come from?
Now, I've spent more time in Niagara Falls, ON; however I did spend one night on the NY side after a long flight from MN and wanting to relax before catching the Megabus to Toronto. The NY side is something that is hard to describe. People compare it to 'Detroit'...I don't think that is necessarily accurate because Niagara Falls NY's population is the same as, say, Grand Forks, ND. It's not (geographically) this huge city that goes on and on. There are old, abandoned houses and blighted streets, but I think it suffers from being isolated from the rest of New York State. Being so far west, it is forgotten, and I think people remember Niagara Falls for what it used to be (where our grandparents would get married, etc).
If it were the right time, and I had the money, and the knowledge of cross-border business, I would set up my headquarters in Niagara Falls, no question. You're 60 miles from Toronto. You are a half hour from Buffalo airport. You have people from both the NY and ON sides who can work for you, give their expertise, and that convenient location makes so much more sense than basing your headquarters in Memphis or Houston, etc. Of all the border cities I know (Detroit, MI; International Falls, MN; Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Pembina, ND)...I just think Niagara Falls has the best and quickest access to the Canadian markets.
I know this won't happen but what needs to change is all this red tape for Americans/Canadians to work/live on either side of the border. If a US/Canadian citizen has job experience and a degree and no criminal history, it should be easier to live/work on both sides if that's what someone chooses. It boosts the tax base in both countries. It increases tourism. It partners up and strengthens ties between those two cities and countries. Up here in International Falls, MN, many people used to work here and live in Fort Frances, Ontario (just across the bridge). In fact, many people here had parents who met at work, and one parent is from the US side and one is from the Canadian side. I don't know if it's still like that, but I hope when this whole immigration reform is discussed, they talk about easing these restrictions on living in the US or Canada for citizens of either country. There would be no more 'job stealing' than there already is from all the asylum seekers and immigrants allowed into either country today.
My partner has never before been to Niagara Falls, and I haven't been there since 2005 (Canadian side). I don't have a passport (yet) since I've rarely traveled and was wondering if the Canadian side really is "better" than the American side? I want his first experience at the Falls to be a positive one. With that being said we live so close (Pittsburgh) that if we do visit the American side and find it to be a "bust" we can always return next year to the Canadian side.
I did a search and found numerous threads about Niagara Falls, but the majority just discussed the city as being a raging ghetto outside of the immediate Falls area. We're not interested in exploring the rest of the city.
Some attractions on the American side that have piqued my curiosity:
-Cave of the Winds
-Maid of the Mist (was on this in 2005 and loved it)
-Niagara Falls Observation Tower
-Niagara Aquarium
-Niagara Adventure Theater (is this mostly geared towards kids, though?)
-Grabbing Dinner at Red Coach Inn
-Seneca Niagara Casino
From what I can remember in 2005 Clifton Hill on the Ontario side was very tacky. My partner grew up near Hershey, so we have no need for a Hershey store. We have a Hard Rock Cafe in Pittsburgh. We don't need to see Ripley's or a wax museum. We ate at the Skylon Tower and while the views were certainly impressive we thought the food was sub-par, at best, for the price we paid (I think it came to well over $300 for six of us). There's a casino in Ontario, but there's also one in NY.
Why do so many say the Ontario side is "way better"? We're considering finding a cheap hotel somewhere closer to Buffalo and using that as "home base" as we explore not only the Falls but also your fair city, perhaps dining at the Anchor Bar.
Any and all recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
Personally I think the view is better on the Canadian side but there are lots of attractions on the American side.
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