New York Islanders: Plea to Nassau County Residents Regarding New Coliseum Vote

With August 1st nearing, this writer would like the opportunity to share his thoughts on the arena debate.

Everyone knew there would be multiple opinions—different sides of the spectrum. Everyone knew there would be proponents and opponents. And, as was to be expected, the issue quickly became a political one.

But I'm not here to talk about politics or taxes, Democrats or Republicans (there's a fantastic article over at Lighthouse Hockey on that aspect of the campaign).

I'm here to talk about Nassau County, the place I've called home for 15 years now. The place where I'd love nothing more than to, one day, raise a family of my own.

As a young kid, I used to go to Nassau Coliseum to dream. And sure, the team stunk at the time. They wore the "fish sticks" jerseys, the whole to do.

But none of that mattered because, as far as I was concerned, I got to see these players skate, shoot and pass better than I had ever seen in my entire life. I was six years old and had only been playing hockey for 15 months.

Nassau Coliseum is a special place for anyone who has childhood memories there, whether it's because you had the chance to witness the Islanders during the glory years or because you went to the circus or an on-ice show. 

By voting "No," you're essentially saying that it's okay to deprive Nassau County residents of something that, quite frankly, has an emotional attachment to the community.

If you vote "No," the next generation won't be so fortunate. They won't have those memories we so cherish. The Coliseum has been a centerpiece for so long, and yet, when it's time for us to return the favor, we've got better things to do.

These times are incredibly challenging, but in all honesty, there are no magic carpet rides out of this recession. If we want a better future, both economically and symbolically, we have to invest in that future.

And how about the next generation? Do you really think they're going to stay in Nassau County if/when things get worse and with no light at the end of the tunnel?

What's keeping us here, Eisenhower Park? Roosevelt Field?

August 1, 2011 will be one of the most significant days in the history of this area. It's a day that we'll either look back upon as the time we decided to turn things around, jump-starting our economy and assuring a promising future, or it'll be the day we decided (some willingly, others inadvertently) to throw Nassau County in the trash.

The choice is yours, and I can only hope you'll make the right one.

Comments are welcome.