Skoufis: Legoland tax breaks ‘far too generous’

By Geri Corey
GOSHEN — State Assemblyman James Skoufis, D-Woodbury, once again came to Elsie’s Luncheonette on Main Street in Goshen for a “Skoufis on Your Street” event to talk with local residents. The Goshen visit was one of seven stops — each in a different community — that he’s made this year.
One of the popular issues for discussion is Legoland, the Merlin Entertainments-proposed theme park for property off Harriman Drive in the town of Goshen.
He reminded people that he doesn’t have a vote on approval issues, but he did share his thoughts.
“I’m outraged at the proposed PILOT agreement,” said Skoufis, and he went on to explain that as a publicly traded company, Merlin Entertainments’ financial reports are available for anyone to look up.
Scoufis projects over the next 30 years Merlin Entertainments will make $11 billion in profits. “It’s hard to believe they can’t afford to pay their fair share of taxes. The tax breaks are far too generous.”
However, he added that the project, if done right, will yield a net positive for Goshen and the surrounding area, mentioning the significant number of jobs it offers and giving young families something exciting to do in Orange County, that is, as long as the traffic issues are mitigated and they pay their fair share of taxes.
“Everything has to be considered — Arcadia Hills property owners, their privacy issues, like lights and noise — their rights need to be protected,” he said.
Skoufis addressed a job market issue involving prospective employers asking a job-hopeful his previous salary. Often when he reveals it, the employer loses interest: either the salary was too high and the employer doesn’t want to match it or perhaps with a low salary, the employer offers a lower salary for the job.
Some states, including most recently Massachusetts, have already signed into law a salary range for an advertised job. Skoufis said he’ll research to see if someone has already sponsored such a state law. If so, he’ll co-sponsor it. If not, he’ll introduce the bill himself.
Skoufis shared some interesting comments regarding the renovation of Route 207 that runs right through Goshen. He said one of the challenges of infrastructure repair is that people are interested in having it done, push to have it done, and then become frustrated with detours.
The $2.4 million grant that he secured included enough funds to do the work overnight. It’s more costly, but during construction his office didn’t receive any complaints, and neither did town or village governments.
“It’s very unusual and is a testament to how well the project was done, even including the historic crosswalks. The unsung improvement, though, is the drainage work that was done to help alleviate flooding in the village,” said Skoufis. A ribbon cutting for the project took place Aug. 4.
When discussing health insurance, Skoufis noted that he’d look into granting flexibility for patients to see out-of-state doctors while enrolled in New York Health Exchange. As it stands now, insurance won’t cover out-of-state doctor visits for New York Health Exchange enrollees.
“If you have a serious illness, it’s important to see a specialist, whether he’s in New York or New Jersey,” Skoufis commented.
Skoufis is in his fourth year as an assemblyman, and he is up for re-election on Nov. 8 to begin his third term.
“I’ve worked hard the last four years, and I’ve received a lot of support from both parties. I try to do what’s best and right, not what’s Democratic or Republican,” he said.
In encouraging people to talk with him, he suggested emailing (SkoufisJ@nyassembly.gov), or calling 469-6929 or stopping by at his office at 11 Main St., Chester.
“I get back to people. I pride myself on keeping in touch with my constituents,” said Skoufis.