tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post8574268621522517939..comments2024-03-05T05:38:22.024-05:00Comments on Left at the Gate: Comments on CommentsAlan Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570505944559196118noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-61951092034093615512007-05-27T09:50:00.000-04:002007-05-27T09:50:00.000-04:00Considering who benefits from the franchise split,...Considering who benefits from the franchise split, I would assume the idea originated with NYRA. Their survival is questionable, this proposal would seem to provide an ability to split the baby several ways - one of which would permit their continued existence. NYRA’s ownership of the idea is supported by Saratoga Mayor Valerie Keehn was quoted in May 23, 2007 Saratogian that Spitzer Special Counsel Richard Rifkin said the concept did not originate in the Governor’s office.<BR/><BR/>Accepting Mr. Rifkin at face value, its somewhat shocking how the Spitzer administration signed on without consultation with state and local legislative leaders. Everyone, including the Spitzer people, seem to forget the franchise is awarded through the legislative process, not unilaterally by the Governor. Even if the Governor determined to make an announcement by Memorial Day on the franchise, Joe Bruno and Sheldon Silver will have tremendous input. They have illustrated an inability to be “steamrolled” - remember the State Comptroller fiasco?<BR/><BR/>Finally, I agree with Green Mtn Punter regarding using reduced pari-mutuel tax takeout for promotion. Don’t forget that idea originated with the initial Excelsior proposal. Please read the various proposals - I think they are still available on the New York Racing Board’s web site. Capital Play may want to bring new fans to racing, unfortunately there is little in their proposal about what they’d do with the franchise, the facilities, etc. The bulk of their proposal is spent on the conditions of each race for the whole year. Anyone familiar with how a racing secretary creates cards will find that either amusing or scary.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-27191016385975038142007-05-27T08:41:00.000-04:002007-05-27T08:41:00.000-04:00Alan, Green Mtn Punter checking in as my nom de bl...Alan, Green Mtn Punter checking in as my nom de blog is still blocked. Twas I who commented that this idea of splitting up the 3 tracks must have come from a pol. NYRA has been around too long not to realize that potential competition genereated by more than one NY franchisee could harm even the Spa meet. Again, if the pols can only focus on the direct taxes generated by on and off track pari-mutuels, then they are totally missing the boat on racing's overall impact on the NY State economy. As for the franchise bidders, Excelsior's addition of Steve Wynn is still a big plus for me given Wynn's success in the entertainment industry. I have even become more interested in Capital Play because at least they emphasize drawing new racing fans to the track in addition to luring back those who have stopped going. The zero or reduced pari-mutuel tax takeout for on track wagers is another idea which needs promotion. We need more fans at the track!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-28815003272201360062007-05-27T08:25:00.000-04:002007-05-27T08:25:00.000-04:00http://www.saratogian.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=183...http://www.saratogian.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18389777&BRD=1169&PAG=461&dept_id=602469&rfi=6 This article in yesterday's Saratogian lends credence to the NYRA idea. Why would the guy leave?<BR/><BR/>Bank CheckAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com