Let's run down some facts. 

Tourism is the #1 industry in New York State, accounting for billions of dollars in economic activity very year. 

A study conducted by the University of Massachusetts (among others involved) determined that for every 1 dollar states spend on their park system, they receive 5 dollars back in economic activity. Economic activity is defined as: restaurant stops, gas purchases, grocery purchases, hotel stays, retail shopping, etc. The study further concludes that LOCAL business owners benefit from a robust park system, as products are purchased to rehab the facilities and conduct normal operations, on top of visitor purchases. 

Now, I'm sure you have factual evidence to back up your statement: --"Fort Ontario isn't the big attraction that George Clark and his pals claim in to be."-- 

Actually, your wrong, anyway. The State's own internal tourism analysis show that out of the 155,000 visitors to the park grounds, 41% of those visitors are from outside the trade area. That means 63,000 people visited Oswego from outside the Greater Syracuse Area. What else in Oswego could and does attract 63,000 people from outside the trade area? 

Also, the type of tourism the Fort promotes brings in MORE revenue than the average tourist spends. This is called "heritage tourism," and it is the FASTEST growing portion of the tourism industry. These type of visitors spend, on average, 17% more than the average tourist. The largest make up of Heritage tourists are highly educated, upper-middle class baby boomers. But, using your logic, why should Oswego want them and their money? No, everything is just fine with Oswego's economy. 

The State has the "money." It's how they chose to allocate that money, that is the problem. 

Cutting Parks, ALL PARKS, would reduce the deficit by 1%, and in the process, lower incoming revenues to the State- creating a larger deficit next year. How is this possible? Well, tourism accounts for 14 million dollars in tax revenue from Oswego county ALONE. The Fort is, by the numbers, the largest single destination in the county. 14 million in tax revenue means that goods were sold, and as a result, people were employed providing the various services. If those people are put out of work, the state loses out on MORE income tax revenue that can be taken from their checks. 

So, let's get this straight, you think that in times of economic stagnation and decline, the State should further impede it's #1 industry and send it's deficit even higher in the process? 

Who taught you economics, the leaders at AIG International? 

Here's a REAL economics lesson: You don't save your deficits by lowering the ability to generate revenue from your economy. Impeding the #1 industry in the state, which accounts for billions in activity, to save less than 1% of the deficit, seems foolhardy doesn't it? 

And, not personally living in Oswego, I can't seem to figure out WHY you would want a staple in your community closed? It seems incredibly short-sighted for someone to cheerlead the closure of something so economically and culturally important, as well as community-oriented as Fort Ontario. But it seems your problem lies more with personal vendettas with the Fort's supporters, than it does with the economic or factual sense of saving the fort- since you've provided none in your statement. 

Hey; at least the Fort supporters you mention above have the guts to step out of the shadows of anonymity to defend what they feel is right, unlike you Mr. "Anonymous."