Empire challenges rumored NY franchise plan

[ELA]

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

Eric, I agree completely, but that's what you get with a political hack like Jeff Perlee in charge. Besides the backroom deals that led to the NYTHA endorsement, Empire's "negative" campaigning on the franchise issue is no different than the what these guys do it on the political front. And they wonder why people are turned off to their schtick?

I hear you. I don't know Jeff Perlee, but I do remember reading his CV, perhaps on their website or in their proposal. To be honest, whatever I read, I forgot. Be that as it may, with regard to the NYTHA -- this decision was very rash and done without proper due diligence and consideration. It was very premature as well. In addition, when the board of the NYTHA made this decision -- even though it might have been well within the board's purview -- it appeared to not represent the majority of the NYTHA membership. Thus, it did not represent the collective views and desires of the membership.

Look at the leadership of the various organizations -- the NY Breeders was headed up by Dennis Brida and Barry Ostrager (the lay-leader). I can't really speak to Brida, however, Ostrager is very well known, well respected, and is an extremely intelligent man. The NYTHA was headed up by Bob Flynn and Richard Bomze (the lay-leader). Again, I can't speak to Flynn, however, Bomze constantly seemed out of his league, over his head, etc. I don't think the NYTHA did an adequate job in dealing with NYRA -- well before the franchise RFP process began. In my opinion, the NYTHA used legal counsel as a crutch which not only cost a great deal of money, but also can be very reflective of much larger issues -- the quality and confidence in the board, the respect or lack thereof from other organizations, and how the NYTHA is able to accomplish or not accomplish representing the best interests of the horsemen.

Anyway, what's done is done and history should very much teach us a great deal.

Eric