tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post8011692636861067026..comments2024-03-05T05:38:22.024-05:00Comments on Left at the Gate: Two Have Inside TrackAlan Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570505944559196118noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-42089986652873401922009-09-29T20:20:29.560-04:002009-09-29T20:20:29.560-04:00actually less than 10 miles up the Parkway but who...actually less than 10 miles up the Parkway but who's counting! Queens had better speak fast and loudley or they will be without.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-85426524966418343082009-09-29T20:00:58.878-04:002009-09-29T20:00:58.878-04:00I can't believe for a millisecond that any of ...I can't believe for a millisecond that any of this is about Aqueduct.<br />Just wait till the announcement is made, then all the excuses come about delays, this and that...and bam, it ends up with Wynn and Belmont. It was never about Queens and helping that community; it was always about the holy grail, 15 miles up the Belt Parkway. NY politics at its seedy, most dark and conniving best. Watch who ends up in bed with the "enemy." Who cares if Obama told Paterson not to run again? If it smells like you know what, it is. Period.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-64475895527955361052009-09-29T10:19:32.927-04:002009-09-29T10:19:32.927-04:00Here's todays news from the NY Post on the sub...Here's todays news from the NY Post on the subject.<br /><br />http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/all_bets_off_as_gambling_dip_qF4DXE0ndy8kBp1JdoNJWP<br /><br />This piece uses the words "Paterson is said to favor...." and goes on to mention BET founder Robert Johnson as a part of the Hard Rock bidding team.<br />I recall the recent picture in the press of Governor Paterson at BET executive Rhonda Cowan's late night birthday party. Around the same time this past summer, didn't his office hire a gal associated with BET during the hiring freeze that made some eyes in Albany roll? <br /><br />Throughout this whole process, the NY Post has only ever shed positive light on Steve Wynn, doing several stories on his gaming history and his flamboyant plans for Aqueduct, so no surprise if Wynn is the newspaper's favorite.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-86413246781552025182009-09-29T08:42:54.057-04:002009-09-29T08:42:54.057-04:00Alan,
Thanks for the Aqueduct update.
Based on c...Alan,<br /><br />Thanks for the Aqueduct update.<br /><br />Based on current NY State and Federal politics on the off reservation Indian debate, I find it dificult to believe that the governor would recommend SL Green in partnerhship with the Seminole Tribe from Florida owners of the "Hard rock" brand. Too many in-state Tribes would be left out if the Seminoles were in the deal.<br /><br />Wynn's existing plan presents a lot of unknows including when it will actually be generating cash for all the beneficiaries. A couple of things come to mind. One is that he has an alternative plan, a design that fits within the bounds of the existing permitting. If he gets the "just trust me" nod that he asked for when with Excelsior Racing, he'll just promise tha state a project that will be completed faster within the existing structure. Alternatively, he applies for his new permits for the European castle that he has put forth and he can't get it. By the time this is rejected, the state realizes that Belmont is the better location for a full casino, then the laws are changed for full gaming, the project moves to Belmont Park on the tract of land designated in the long range plan, and the Big A is left out in the cold. Lots of folks in Albany and the existing racing operator like this scenario.<br /><br />Did the Lottery Commission Deputy Director Bill Murray go on record as saying the Aqueduct Entertainment Group bid disqualified? Or, was it someone from the Governor's office or David Paterson himself that said this group was out of the running? Other than the Precious article refering to "sources," there doesn't really seem to be any substance behind the rumor.<br /><br />This decision and process has been a wild ride, so surprises under the shroud of an Albany mystery are still to come.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com