The state budget proposed by Gov. Eliot Spitzer includes a proposal for 4,500 video lottery terminals at Belmont Park according the reports from Albany – a blow to anyone who regards the site of the final leg of the Triple Crown and more Grade I races than any track in the world, a place where more racing history has been written than any piece of real estate in America, as hallowed ground that should be kept safe from the vulgarity of casino-flavored gambling.
Apparently, Spitzer, who with fellow Albany Democrats has opposed VLTs at Belmont, has capitulated to those who support the desecration of one of racing’s most historic sites – people who would look at the Vatican and see potential for bingo, survey the battlefield at Gettysburg and see a strip mall – Huns to Sen. Joe Bruno’s Attila.
The possibility that the state will realize revenue from any VLT casino this year, from facilities at Belmont or Aqueduct is nil and the inclusion of revenue forecasts from 9,000 VLTs that do not exist is another example of government by sleight of hand. Only slightly less farfetched is the likelihood of a resolution to the franchise issue that not only has lawmakers (that term used in only the most obtuse sense) at odds but now has their minions at war and posturing on behalf of their political benefactors. Disgusting.
On Tuesday, the Non-profit Racing Association Oversight Board – the establishment of which is one of the countless blunders left by the Pataki administration – passed a resolution that makes it impossible for its Spitzer-appointed chairman, Steven Newman, to broker even the most basic of agreements with the New York Racing Association without a vote. These are political appointees who would not have acted without direction from those whose largesse placed them in the positions they occupy. Untimely power plays are never encouraging.
The process is going backward and this maneuver, which guarantees forthcoming confrontation, is a setback of proportions yet incalculable. It is no longer a foregone conclusion that racing will survive this state government, which continues to display a cavalier disregard for the industry and those involved in racing enterprises. Staunch defense of political turf, not a secure future for the racing industry, is the primary issue.
Aqueduct: Jan. 24
Slim picking to start the abbreviated week.
Race 9: No Halo on Me
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
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4 comments:
Paul,
Why are we surprised at this new development? The backroom deal about Belmont and VLTs has been struck and the political hacks at the Oversight Board have been given their marching orders. It will come as no shock when Sheldon Silver gets on board, as well. This has never been about preserving racing, saving Elmont or funding education. It has always been about power, greed and government business as usual. The same folks who, year after year, can't pass a budget on time have seized on another bad decision to fund a bloated, poorly managed government.
Who does the government think will be playing the VLTs? You can throw a rock and hit machines in Yonkers, Aqueduct and now in Belmont. How many more senior citizens and lower income people will be exploited by this ploy? Maybe they are counting on junkets and tour groups showing up on Hempstead Turnpike to get the resort experience? You will never again see a Breeder's Cup or a Triple Crown try get the crowds that the sport deserves. Where will you put them, on the nearest stool in the casino?
To the many people who care about racing and read Paul's excellent blog, you need to speak up to anyone who will listen(politicians, media, etc.) Say nothing and we will all get the fate being laid out for us in the racing industry.
Alydarjk
Paul:
What have we done to deserve this punishment? It seems that we have an organized effort in Albany to plunder the State's treasury. Where is the Federal prosecutor to indict these thieves for RICO violations?
I agree with alydarjk that the evil deal is done. Who in their right mind thinks that it is some coincidence that Spitzer put $250 million in the budget for income from a currently illegal slot machine parlor at Belmont?
When will the "suckers", i.e., us, rise up and reclaim our government from these morons?
Spitzer has been on board for slots at Belmont all along, not just Bruno. Look at this comments concerning this from last year.
I can write letters to my representatives until I turn blue, but it won't do a thing. Some kind of organized effort is needed. Paul, lead the way.
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