With the legislation to allow Nik Wallenda to traverse Niagara Falls atop a tight rope at the governor’s desk awaiting final approval, Assemblyman John Ceretto (R,I-Lewiston) and Senator George Maziarz (R- Newfane) today urged Governor Cuomo to sign the bill into law and offered 10 reasons why the bill is good for Western New York.
“I have discussed this issue with the Governor and his staff at length, and I am hopeful that he will see the benefits that a nationally televised event will have for the Niagara Falls region and its economy,” said Ceretto. “The bill hit the desk of Governor Cuomo on September 12, and he now has 10 days to sign this bill. Governor, the clock is ticking and now is the time to sign this important tourism legislation into law.”
"Niagara Falls can once again be the great city that it has been in the past, but its revitalization must be driven through tourism and economic development efforts that highlight the majesty and splendor of hosting one of the Seven Wonders of the World," said Senator George D. Maziarz. "Niagara Falls, for all intents and purposes, must continue to evolve into a world-class destination. The Wallenda Walk would be a huge catalyst in that evolution."
Assemblyman Ceretto’s 10 reasons why Governor Cuomo should sign this legislation into law:
- The event will bring national and global attention to Niagara Falls and is set to be aired on the Discovery Channel, which has 600 million subscribers.
- The event will help strengthen the region’s tourism industry.
- It will increase sales tax and other revenue for the Niagara Falls region.
- Attract attention to struggling American side of Niagara Falls.
- Help establish the American side of the Falls as a premier tourist destination.
- Nik Wallenda is an experienced and dedicated professional.
- All safety precautions have been taken into account.
- A number of local representatives from Canada, including the Mayor of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Jim Diodati and the United States are in favor of holding the event at the Falls.
- Both houses of the state Legislature overwhelmingly passed the bill.
- Niagara Falls needs this event as well as others to help boost its tourism industry.
Below is the letter Assemblyman Ceretto and Senator Maziarz sent to Governor Cuomo urging him to sign the Wallenda bill into law.
Dear Governor Cuomo,
With word that S4844-A/A08206, “An act to direct the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to allow Nik Wallenda to traverse the Niagara River Gorge on a high wire,” has reached your desk, we wanted to write you and reassert our unwavering support for this legislation. This bill is essential to boost the vital tourism industry in Niagara Falls and Western New York.
Since this bill was introduced and passed, we have seen an outpouring of international interest in Nik Wallenda and the City of Niagara Falls. Mr. Wallenda has appeared on national TV in Canada, Australia and the United States talking about Niagara Falls as a destination for tourists; we have seen print articles across Europe and the world, and they all talk about Niagara Falls. Perhaps most important of all, we’ve seen hope and excitement here locally. After all, how many places can capture the imagination and curiosity of the world like Niagara Falls, NY?
In a July meeting, Mr. Wallenda met with city and state elected officials, local fire and police officials, along with State Parks officials and made a very compelling presentation on the safety precautions he and his team make. He also provided answers to many logistical and procedural questions. We are convinced he has satisfied every safety concern.
This bill is so much more than the act of Nik Wallenda traversing the Niagara Gorge. It is about harnessing the majesty of Niagara Falls and allowing us to open the city to the world, with all it has to offer. It is about realizing the potential of the historic State Parks, the capacity of Niagara Falls International Airport and the inspiration of the Falls itself.
We ask you to sign this bill and provide the legal muster to allow Niagara Falls and Western New York to once again thrive as a Tourist Destination.
Sincerely,
John D. Ceretto
NYS Assembly
District 138
George D. Maziarz
NYS Senate
District 62
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