Track privitization

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

Where did I say it was OK to subsidize the casinos? No where.

That's fine. But if it's a public policy discussion, which you tangetally initiated with the response to Joey's post, this side of the equation needs to brought to everyone's attention that is hearing the Governor's mouthpiece talk ONLY about racing as being subsidized.

http://www.drf.com/news/two-voices-r...ersey-horsemen

Ray Bateman's letter doesn't seem available anymore, but he laid out the outrageous series of expenditures Trenton has heeped on AC. Here's an excerpt:

"The state’s tax on casino revenues is one of the lowest in the nation and a little more than half the casino tax in Pennsylvania. Gov. Whitman had a $300 million tunnel and roadway built to the Borgata casino; Gov. Florio ‘ordered’ the Sports Authority to build and operate (always at a loss) a new $275 million convention center in Atlantic City; later the west hall of the old convention center was rebuilt by the same authority for more than $100 million; a special train for gamblers from Philadelphia to Atlantic City was bought and paid for at New Jersey expense and operates annually at a loss, as does the ACES train express from New York; two new bus terminals were built (for the casinos, of course); and the huge state police presence in Atlantic City was not totally paid for by the casinos. The Atlantic City airport was improved with state and federal funds. When casinos comp gamblers in their rooms they do not pay the state hotel room tax – a big number loss each year to the state. No question that the casinos have enjoyed sweetheart relationships with all past governors and legislatures. Sad, but true. And now they want more and are still unwilling to compromise on slots at the Meadowlands, or on help for the horse industry – both essentially North Jersey concerns.”

[joeydb]

Originally Posted by Kasept

http://www.drf.com/news/two-voices-r...ersey-horsemen

Ray Bateman's letter doesn't seem available anymore, but he laid out the outrageous series of expenditures Trenton has heeped on AC. Here's an excerpt:

"The state’s tax on casino revenues is one of the lowest in the nation and a little more than half the casino tax in Pennsylvania. Gov. Whitman had a $300 million tunnel and roadway built to the Borgata casino; Gov. Florio ‘ordered’ the Sports Authority to build and operate (always at a loss) a new $275 million convention center in Atlantic City; later the west hall of the old convention center was rebuilt by the same authority for more than $100 million; a special train for gamblers from Philadelphia to Atlantic City was bought and paid for at New Jersey expense and operates annually at a loss, as does the ACES train express from New York; two new bus terminals were built (for the casinos, of course); and the huge state police presence in Atlantic City was not totally paid for by the casinos. The Atlantic City airport was improved with state and federal funds. When casinos comp gamblers in their rooms they do not pay the state hotel room tax – a big number loss each year to the state. No question that the casinos have enjoyed sweetheart relationships with all past governors and legislatures. Sad, but true. And now they want more and are still unwilling to compromise on slots at the Meadowlands, or on help for the horse industry – both essentially North Jersey concerns.”

All true. I live in the area and I remember each one of these. Good job Steve.

This issue will hinge on the North versus South political power struggle. There is no merit in preferring A.C. over the tracks. Ideally we should be able to have both thrive to some extent.