New York Franchise Award Recommendation May Come Nov. 21

[the little guy]

The State said publically they were going to dispute NYRA's bankrupcy claim the day after they made it. The real question is what the hell took them so long.

[Indulto]

Public invited to "town meeting" on racing's future by PAUL POST
http://www.saratogian.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17707821&BRD=1169&PAG=461&dept_id= 17708&rfi=6

… Seven of nine ad hoc panel members favored Excelsior's business plan, but Empire has since agreed to match and in some cases exceed Excelsior's proposals. Perlee has maintained that the ad hoc committee's vote was just the beginning of the franchise selection process.

… on Feb. 6, NYRA will ask the court to give an opinion on its management contract with MGM Grand for a proposed video lottery terminal facility at Aqueduct. The state Lottery Division has refused to take action on the deal, which has been before it since June. Without Lottery's approval, the facility can't be built.

The judge's opinion would be non-binding, but a favorable ruling might strengthen NYRA's contention that the agreement is a good one for all involved parties, Nader said.

The Borg are coming …

Anyone here planning to attend?

[Indulto]

Bruno trip included key appointee
Member of panel responsible for oversight of NYRA was member of senator's Florida travel party
By Brendan J. Lyons and James M. Odato Friday, January 19, 2007
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=555206&category=REGION&newsdate= 1/19/2007

… An official briefed on the federal investigation said Thursday that Bruno and Abbruzzese were accompanied on the Palm Beach trip by Joseph Torani, who is the Senate Republicans' appointee to the New York Racing Association's Oversight Committee.

... Hayward said Torani told him he went to Florida with Bruno last January, detailing the helicopter ride over Gulfstream Park.

However, Hayward said Torani proved to be an advocate for NYRA on the oversight board.

… Hayward said he has concerns about what was going on behind the scenes as Friends of New York Racing, a nonprofit group that included Abbruzzese, morphed into Empire Racing Associates. Empire Racing officials said Hayward is off base in describing Friends of New York Racing as its forerunner.

Spitzer reimburses donor $110,000 for fundraising, travel costs
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--spitzer-finances0118jan18,0,5369520.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) _ Gov. Eliot Spitzer's campaign returned about $110,000 to a contributor who is part of a group bidding for the state's lucrative thoroughbred racing franchise.

A filing with the state Board of Elections shows Spitzer's campaign reimbursed $52,579 to SG Management, a company run by casino developer Richard Fields.

… Spitzer sent payments of $51,292 and $4,610 to another Fields-controlled company, Coastal Development, for the cost of flights, hotel and car expenses.

Meanwhile, no coverage yet of Empire's recent Saratoga town meeting by DRF or B-H after publishing announcements. Only TT followed up among the major industry press, but with nothing significant.

More "hot dog" testimony?

[saratoga guy]

Originally Posted by Indulto

Meanwhile, no coverage yet of Empire's recent Saratoga town meeting by DRF or B-H after publishing announcements. Only TT followed up among the major industry press, but with nothing significant.

www.equidaily.com the day after (posted within ten hours of the end of the meeting)...

Link to video coverage:

http://www.capitalnews9.com/shared/v...n hall meeting

Link to print coverage:

http://www.poststar.com/articles/200...9877189801.txt

[Indulto]

Originally Posted by saratoga guy

www.equidaily.com the day after (posted within ten hours of the end of the meeting)...

Link to video coverage:

http://www.capitalnews9.com/shared/v...n hall meeting

Link to print coverage:

http://www.poststar.com/articles/200...9877189801.txt

Thanks, SG.

I had already accessed both those links through Google. I just wondered why it didn't merit DRF and B-H attention. Maybe nothing was addressed that hadn't been covered before.

[Indulto]

45 People In A Room by Elizabeth Benjamin
http://blogs.timesunion.com/capitol/?p=3442

That’s how many heads I counted presiding over the the first state comptroller intrview (Bill Mulrow) in the LOB’s Hearing Room B this morning.

… Mulrow said he would resign from Citigroup, where he is the director of Global Capital Markets, which he said would end his interest in Excelsior Racing Associates - one of several firms seeking the right to run the NYRA thoroughbred tracks.

He also said he would recuse himself from anything that has to do with the awarding of this franchise (the comptroller will eventually have to approve the contract), and put all his assets in a blind trust.

[Indulto]

A.M. Roundup by Elizabeth Benjamin
http://blogs.timesunion.com/capitol/?p=3500

Silver told The New York Sun he wants to scrap the recommendations of an ad hoc committee on racing as to who should run the NYRA franchise. Interesting timing for this story, given that one of the comptroller candidates, Bill Mulrow, has an interest in one of the firms seeking the franchise, Excelsior Racing Associates.

Speaker Dislikes Pataki-Era Plan On Horse Racing
http://www.nysun.com/article/47480

The Democratic speaker of the Assembly, Sheldon Silver, said he favors tossing aside recommendations made by a Pataki-era committee on who should have exclusive rights to operate the Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park, and Aqueduct.

"I think, fortunately, this governor will have to create a new process to vet people," Mr. Silver told The New York Sun. "There has to be a new vetting process to determine what to do with the franchise."

… Mr. Silver mocked the ad hoc committee's grading system under which the category of "integrity" counted for about a fifth of the evaluation and was assigned a larger weight than "financial viability."

"The other process gave weight to ethics, which was ridiculous," Mr. Silver said. "If you're unethical but you bid an extra $1 million, we may take you. But if you're ethical and bid $1 million less, it doesn't help you."

[Indulto]

Silver speaks out on racing By PAUL POST
http://www.saratogian.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17798246&BRD=1169&PAG=461&dept_id= 17708&rfi=6

… The state can maximize racing revenues by letting Gov. Eliot Spitzer deal directly with potential track operators, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said Thursday.
The New York City Democrat also said former Gov. George E. Pataki deliberately "starved" New York Racing Association by refusing to authorize video lottery terminals at Aqueduct.

… "The governor (Pataki) wanted to keep his power over NYRA and keep them dependent on him for hand-outs," Silver said. "Truthfully, he made the state forego tens of millions of dollars in revenue."

"Better late than never" or "Too late now, me hearties …"?

News from Empire Racing
Empire Racing Taps Daniel R. Alonso To Serve As Integrity Czar
http://www.eisinc.com/release/storiesh/EMOWER.028.html

… In addition to the creation of a permanent Integrity Task Force with independent members, Empire Racing will mandate a permanent Inspector General, who will report both to the CEO and to the Integrity Task Force of the Board, site-based Compliance Officers to ensure that all racetrack activities are in compliance with all applicable standards; an integrity hotline to encourage employees and the public to report information regarding possible offenses; regular employee Integrity Assessments to ensure that all legal and ethical requirements are being upheld, and; regular professional training of investigators and security officers.

Does this approach appear surrealistic to anyone else? To me it sounds like something between the Department of Homeland Security and Cossacks. Who ensures the integrity of the integrity checkers? Can there be a Czar without peasants to punish?

As it seemingly adds (and deletes) board members/investors, and tries to redefine itself whenever a new political wind blows, Empire reminds me of a computer program in an endless loop that just keeps consuming memory.

The issue here is no longer integrity, but sanity.

[the little guy]

I have to thank you for posting these links....they are extremely informative and entertaining. As frustrating as this franchise battle can seem, it's nice to also be able to enjoy the twists and turns, and I certainly appreciate you providing these quotes and links.

I wonder how the Empire Integrity Czar feels about the cash payments Empire board members may be slated to receive should they be successful in their franchise bid. I guess as long as his is in line it's problem not a problem....at least for him.

Thanks again.

[Indulto]

Originally Posted by the little guy

I have to thank you for posting these links....they are extremely informative and entertaining. As frustrating as this franchise battle can seem, it's nice to also be able to enjoy the twists and turns, and I certainly appreciate you providing these quotes and links.

I wonder how the Empire Integrity Czar feels about the cash payments Empire board members may be slated to receive should they be successful in their franchise bid. I guess as long as his is in line it's problem not a problem....at least for him.

Thanks again.

tlg,
You’re welcome.

I’m appreciative of the fact that you have been keeping the issue in the public eye on the ATTRB radio show, and have had the courage to question the proceedings on-air. There is too little editorial commentary on the subject from the horseplayer’s perspective beyond that provided by you and your friend Crist.

I could be wrong, but I believe that as racing at Saratoga and Belmont goes, so does racing in the United States. As the horseplaying market moves further off-track, the concentration of racing at the highest level in Hong Kong, the UAE, or even France is not impossible. I like to joke about outsourcing Grade I racing to Dubai, but the recently announced Breeder’s Cup speculation regarding Hong Kong is no laughing matter.

So I’m convinced thoroughbred racing fans nationwide have as much at stake as the citizens of Saratoga in continuing the sport’s traditions at their racetrack. I also worry about Belmont Park.

It amazes me that as opinionated and vocal (complaining?) as horseplayers tend to be, they are so passive, generally, toward track operators, and loathe to ensure that their collective interests are considered in awarding the NY franchise.

Take these Empire press releases -- do they ever talk about uniform medication standards and enforcement, lowering takeout, lowering exotic wager minimums, carding races of interest to fans, or even statistical determination of customer preferences in various categories?

I welcome your related opinions and insights on-board and off. Keep up the good work!

[the little guy]

I hear what you're saying about a sort of apathy among fans but in all fairness it's very easy to see where they're coming from. The simple truth is that as fans most have been kicked around so long, and so hard, that eventually one just sort of gives up. One of the nice things about boards like this is at least they offer an opportunity to vent, and even though disagreements arise, at least most are united in a similar struggle. The problem is that as horseplayers we also have a ingrained selfishness as we are trying to make money playing and everything else eventually takes a back seat to that. There is truly nothing wrong with that as ultimately that is what being a horseplayer is about.

However, since I guess I am " lucky " to at least have a certain access I can at least delude myself into thinking that maybe, just maybe, there is a little chance that I might be able to make a difference somewhere and somewhow. Whether or not that is true in reality is debatable but at least I have a slightly better forum for venting than most and who knows perhaps someone that does matter will one day be foolish enough to listen.

But, truth be told, ultimately I am as selfish as everyone else, and my main concerns are the next days' cards at Aqueduct and Gulfstream.

[Indulto]

Originally Posted by the little guy

...However, since I guess I am " lucky " to at least have a certain access I can at least delude myself into thinking that maybe, just maybe, there is a little chance that I might be able to make a difference somewhere and somewhow. Whether or not that is true in reality is debatable but at least I have a slightly better forum for venting than most and who knows perhaps someone that does matter will one day be foolish enough to listen.

Rahys' Appeal will run rather than rest By DAVID GRENING 02/01/2007
http://www.drf.com/news/article/82280.html

… Empire Racing schedules meeting

Racing fans are invited to a meeting to be held by Empire Racing to discuss the future of racing in the state.

… The meeting will be held at the New Hyde Park Inn, 214 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, N.Y., from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Officials from Empire will make a short presentation and then solicit input and discussion from participants on their concerns and ideas for revitalizing racing in the state.

tlg,
Why not lay a little journalism (and/or activism) on us and record some interviews there for ATTRB as well as share your observations and impressions on-air?


For any down-staters and activist up-staters here:

http://www.nhpinn.com/directions.html

... The New Hyde Park Inn is centrally located, convenient to guests arriving from the five boroughs of New York City as well as Long Island and Westchester.

[Indulto]

Should we anticipate an announcement from Empire addressing the recent jockey hospitalization issue in a manner consistent with Gov. Spitzer's intention to cut state spending on healthcare?

What an opportunity to add a distinguished medical professional to their board!

[Indulto]

Keep the information;answer the questions

Troy Record Editorial 02/05/2007
http://www.troyrecord.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1170&dept_id=7018&newsid=17810234&PAG =461&rfi=9

… A complete do-over is not necessary, notwithstanding comments to the contrary by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

… There are, however, major questions that the governor must answer: Is it not in the best interests of the state and Saratoga for the tracks' operator to continue as a nonprofit entity? What are the risks to Saratoga Race Course should the operator be a profit-making business that could, sooner or later, go public?

At first I wondered if the author might be advocating retaining NYRA based on the Ad Hoc Committee’s work, but then I remembered this article:

Excelsior recommended for New York racing franchise by Paul Post and Jeff Lowe 11/21/2006
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/todaysnews/newsview.asp?recno=67909&subsec=1

… "Under current law, all liabilities of the non-profit racing association become the liabilities of the State of New York at the end of the franchise," Pretlow said. "That's a savings of $50 million right there."

Firms were graded in six separate areas under a weighted scoring system, with detailed business proposal counting for half the score. In that category, the committee gave Excelsior a 7-2 vote of approval. Panel members favored Excelsior's plan to run racing on a non-profit basis and keep it separate from video lottery terminal operations at Aqueduct and possibly Belmont. Empire was the only firm whose business plan called for a for-profit enterprise.

… The committee was comprised of three appointees each from Governor George Pataki and Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno (R-Brunswick) and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan). The only two members voting against Excelsior in the most heavily weighted area—business proposal—were Pataki appointees. Other areas included integrity (20%), financial viability and managerial theory (10% each), and experience and lease payment (5% each). Excelsior also won in the managerial theory and financial viability categories while Empire was first in integrity, experience, and lease payment, offering the state an up-front $100 million payment plus $7.5 million per year for the life of the 20-year contract.

So why didn't the editorial just come right out and endorse Excelsior?

Fageddahboud horses and slots. It occurred to me that Excelsior is far and away the best poker player. Sitting with a pat hand, and never opening its mouth, it avoids the hoof insertion so characteristic of one of its rivals.

The 3 Silver-appointed Dems were joined not only by the 3 Bruno-appointed Reps, but even 1 of the Pataki-appointed Reps. Spitzer can award the franchise to his buddy, Fields, and claim dacommiddeediddid.

Given that all his appointees were part of the majority opinion, Silver's call for a do-over does not reflect outstanding judgement or represent a shining example of leadership. Hi-ho Silver a-w-a-a-a-y.

So what’s the Guv waiting for? Maybe he plays cards too, and he’s waiting for Excelsior to trump Capital Play’s offer. Waydaminnid -- herecomedajudge!

[Indulto]

State legislators elect fellow pol to fill vacancy left by Hevesi, prompting a tirade from Spitzer, who had wanted an outsider with financial skills

BY JOHN RILEY
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/state/ny-stcomp085084956feb08,0,4484096.story?coll=ny-statenews-headlines

… "We have just witnessed an insider's game of self-dealing that unfortunately confirms every New Yorker's worst fears and image of all that goes on in the legislature of this state," fumed Spitzer. He called the choice "a stark reminder of all that is wrong with our legislature and its leadership and why we have so much ground to cover in our effort to reform Albany."

The tongue-lashing climaxed a month-long struggle between Spitzer and lawmakers over his insistence that a non-legislator with financial experience should fill the vacancy left by Alan Hevesi's resignation, and nearly overshadowed DiNapoli's victory over the only other nominee, Martha Stark, New York City's finance commissioner and one of three non-legislators deemed qualified by a Spitzer-backed screening panel of former comptrollers.

One of the three non-legislators recommended by a Spitzer-picked committee of former comptrollers was William Mulrow who reportedly is a close friend of Spitzer, independently wealthy, and a shareholder in Excelsior Racing.

He Spitz in Gov's eye --

Shelly's controller pick a slap at Eliot
BY JOE MAHONEY and DAVID SALTONSTALL
Gov. Spitzer declared war on Joe Bruno and Sheldon Silver after their crony was picked to replace Alan Hevesi
http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/495779p-417744c.html

Gov. Spitzer may have lost his battle yesterday to name a new state controller - but he promises an all-out war against the state's top legislative leaders.

Speaking minutes after Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Republican Senate leader Joe Bruno installed their hand-picked crony, Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli, as controller, Spitzer let loose like never before.

… Even by Albany's standards of pumped-up rhetoric, it was a stunning assault, and one that the reformist Spitzer conceded marked a "turning point" in his relations with Spitzer and Bruno, long the twin powers of Albany.

Bruno dished it out almost as good, boasting hours before the vote, "The governor will learn there are three branches of government. ... This is Day 2. Stay tuned."