"I know what you want to talk about," Carl Paladino said. "You want to talk about the casino."
Confirmed. "Debilitating. It's a sign of the times. Obstructionism is alive and well, and there's a bunch of well-intentioned people who want to run every aspect of our lives. I can't believe they're using Wendt Foundation money for attorneys. I can't believe they have that kind of power," he said. "I feel like complaining to the surrogate. I may just file a complaint."
He continued, "I can't build my Creamery Hotel. The banks will deny me with what's going on over there. A lot of peripheral development could be taking place. This is Buffalo obstructionist bulls--t. We're over-regulated. We've given every little minority [opinion] group rights.
"You can gamble in Fort Erie. I could pick you up at the office in a minute and a half and take you to Fort Erie and show you all the Buffalo cars in the parking lot. $75 million a year of Buffalo money goes to Fort Erie. Canadians go to Niagara Falls, but Fort Erie is there to draw Buffalo people."
"People will gamble--those disposed to it--and all the Buffalo casino will do is shortcut it for them. They'll come. The money will be spent here, and there will be jobs here."
"These do-gooders want to run every aspect of our lives. We're taxed and regulated to death. We are f---ed-up. In this town you either work for the government or you're on welfare. There's no room for private business. Right now, no casino jobs exist, but all of the downside is there, and there is no money going to local government."
"By the way...you put a casino here, Buffalo will take off. There'll be a venue other than hockey or Sheas to keep people downtown. They'll come from Toronto, they'll stay and they'll spend money. We have the downside, now give us some of the upside. I'm not trying to justify gambling, but people are going to do it."
Reminded that he's never actually stated his plans for the Fairmont Creamery Company building on Scott Street, Carl answered, "Boutique Hotel and high-end apartments."
Then he asks, "Anything else?"
Not right now Carl, but we'll get back to you.