Larry Love, a spokesman for Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Ozone Park), told the group at their meeting at the Knights of Columbus Hall in South Ozone Park on Thursday that Pheffer would like to see Aqueduct host races for the foreseeable future.
Love added that the assemblywoman, who was in Albany, wants Video Lottery Terminals installed at the complex as well. He said that when Spitzer first proposed Aqueduct’s closure, Pheffer immediately voiced opposition. “I think when all the dust settles, they will realize that keeping (Aqueduct) open and operating as a track is probably the way to go. We’re optimistic,” Love said.
Both Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Mount Vernon Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, the Racing & Wagering Committee’s chairman, voiced opposition to closing Aqueduct.
Love told board members that any proposed closure of the racetrack would require legislative approval. He said that Pheffer has gotten a commitment from Silver and state Sen. Serphin Maltese (R-Glendale) has gotten a commitment from Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno that nothing will be done without both Pheffer and Maltese’s agreement.
The day after Love’s Aqueduct update, Spitzer reportedly put forth a proposal that would leave the horseracing franchise in the hands of the New York Racing Association and give casino operating rights to one of three bidding firms — Excelsior Racing Associates, Empire Racing or Capital Play. It was further reported that Spitzer’s proposal would end thoroughbred racing at the Ozone Park track.
The three franchise bidders were briefed on the governor’s proposal on June 8 in Manhattan in separate sessions by top Spitzer aides. Members of the legislature, however, have yet to be briefed.
The state’s three thoroughbred tracks — Aqueduct, Belmont Park Race Track and Saratoga Race Course — handle more than $2.7 billion in combined bets a year. The 4,500 slot machines already approved for Aqueduct are projected to bring in $650 million in annual revenue.
The New York Racing Association’s contract to run the three thoroughbred tracks expires Dec. 31. It has held the franchise’s operating rights since 1955.
Spitzer has stated that he hopes to decide on the future of the state’s racing and gambling operations before the state Legislature’s 2007 session ends on June 21. However, lawmakers could return this fall to deal with the franchise issue if it is not resolved before the legislature’s summer recess.
Both Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Mount Vernon Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, the Racing & Wagering Committee’s chairman, voiced opposition to closing Aqueduct.
Love told board members that any proposed closure of the racetrack would require legislative approval. He said that Pheffer has gotten a commitment from Silver and state Sen. Serphin Maltese (R-Glendale) has gotten a commitment from Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno that nothing will be done without both Pheffer and Maltese’s agreement.
The day after Love’s Aqueduct update, Spitzer reportedly put forth a proposal that would leave the horseracing franchise in the hands of the New York Racing Association and give casino operating rights to one of three bidding firms — Excelsior Racing Associates, Empire Racing or Capital Play. It was further reported that Spitzer’s proposal would end thoroughbred racing at the Ozone Park track.
The three franchise bidders were briefed on the governor’s proposal on June 8 in Manhattan in separate sessions by top Spitzer aides. Members of the legislature, however, have yet to be briefed.
The state’s three thoroughbred tracks — Aqueduct, Belmont Park Race Track and Saratoga Race Course — handle more than $2.7 billion in combined bets a year. The 4,500 slot machines already approved for Aqueduct are projected to bring in $650 million in annual revenue.
The New York Racing Association’s contract to run the three thoroughbred tracks expires Dec. 31. It has held the franchise’s operating rights since 1955.
Spitzer has stated that he hopes to decide on the future of the state’s racing and gambling operations before the state Legislature’s 2007 session ends on June 21. However, lawmakers could return this fall to deal with the franchise issue if it is not resolved before the legislature’s summer recess.
