R E B U I L D I N G T H E S P I R I T U A L W A L L S

Baptist Temple Church

(845) 561-7555
Fax: (845) 561-7007
Emails: btchurch@verizon.net
Pastorbew@verizon.net

Byron E. Williams, Sr., Pastor
7-11 William Street
P.O. Box 168
Newburgh, New York 12550



Hon. Andrew Cuomo
Governor
State of New York
The Capitol
Albany, New York 12224

Dear Governor Cuomo,

First, let me say it was a pleasure meeting you on Thursday, October 9 at Moderator Carl
Washingtons Moderators Address. Your words to us at Mt. Neboh Baptist Church in
Harlem were encouraging and enlightening in terms of a hopeful and progressive future
for our wonderful state.

Let me state with all openness, that while a great portion of the Christian community does
not embrace casino gaming or pari-mutuel betting of any sort, it is a very bold step for the
state to embrace this concept as a means of enhancing our struggling economy and
creating a multiplicity of jobs for all, particularly New Yorks struggling minority in my
immediate area.

My concern as a pastor in Newburgh and as Moderator of an association in the state of
New York with some forty churches covering an area from Schenectady in the north to
Westchester in the south and as far west as Monticello and Ellenville, is that one
particular company appears to have an alleged ongoing history of discriminatory
practices for the past six years, the Cordish Companies.

Such a choice by our state leadership would indeed send the wrong message to our
citizens. We pray you join us in challenging the very appearance of possible racist and
discriminatory practices in an industry that has such far-reaching economic and ethical
ramifications for the future of our great state.

I Remain,



Byron E. Williams, Sr.
Pastor, Baptist Temple Church of Newburgh
Moderator, Central Hudson Baptist Association

Cc: New York State Gaming Facilities Location Board