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ALBANY---Gov. Eliot Spitzer is convening a panel to publicly evaluate proposals from the potential operators of New York State's thoroughbred racing facilities.
"New York's thoroughbred racing industry commands an international reputation, creates tens of thousands of jobs and provides a vital economic boost to the state," Spitzer said. . "For the first time in nearly 50 years, there is an opportunity to reexamine this important state resource, and to consider restructuring and reinvigorating thoroughbred racing and breeding."
The panel, which will meet in public sessions, will include experts from the State Racing and Wagering Board, Empire State Development Corporation and the Division of Budget. It will be chaired by Richard Rifkin, special counsel to the governor. The Assembly and Senate will also participate in these sessions.
"Public confidence in this process will be anchored by transparency. The primary standard for selection will be an organization's integrity and its ability to advance New York racing and the state's interests," said Rifkin.
Under the procedure established by the governor, the panel will invite any entity interested in operating the tracks to make public presentations of its proposal.
The panel's experts will provide Spitzer with an analysis of each presentation made, as well as proposals for the viability and long-term prospects for the success of racing.
Any entity wishing to make a presentation to the panel should notify the Governor's office by March 6. Such notice should be addressed to Rifkin. A date for the public presentations will follow receipt of these notices.
On Feb. 21, the Ad Hoc Committee on the Future of Racing released a report of its findings as required by State law, including its non-binding recommendation for an operator of the state thoroughbred racing franchise beginning Jan. 1, 2008. The governor appreciates the effort and contribution of the committee and will use its report as a starting point for evaluation.
2-28-07
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© 2007 North
Country Gazette
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