Editor, OBSERVER:
This is in response to the commentary "Did Dunkirk, state break even?" (Feb. 5). I can't speak for the state. Obviously, we know the state does not break even.
I can speak for the Dunkirk branch and the Western Region Off Track Betting Inc. Dunkirk has lost at its branch between five and six figures in the last two to three years. Because we are a public benefit corporation, we can't - in Chautauqua or any of our counties - continue to lose money. In fact, we are in the process of closing locations at Grant Street in Buffalo, we have closed Woodlawn in Lackawanna and a number of years ago, closed a branch in Steuben County.
OTB is attempting to do what AAA announced this week. In a word, we have to streamline our operations. And, the good news, here in Dunkirk is that I have already talked with a young man - a local business person - who is very eager to help us create a new site in the city of Dunkirk.
I too remember when we had the old stores and markets in downtown. This may or may not come back, but I can assure the people of the city of Dunkirk that OTB is not going away and as director for Chautauqua County, I am not deserting Dunkirk.
Friday evening, I spoke with our CEO and indicated to him that I would like to move ahead very rapidly with the process of approving this new location in the city of Dunkirk.
ROGER RUCKMAN,
Fredonia
