07/12/2007
New York Racing Association, whose contract expires on Dec. 31, is being challenged by three other firms for the right to run Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park and Aqueduct.
Keehn, who is seeking re-election, also said the franchise should be run by a single track operator, that Aqueduct should be kept open and that Saratoga Springs should get more racing tax revenue.
"Our Saratoga Springs community is developing a sense of anxiety about the lack of a clear plan for 2008 and beyond, especially since thoroughbred racing plays such a central role in our local economy and culture," Keehn wrote in a Monday letter to Spitzer.
Spitzer's office did not immediately return a call for comment. Spitzer has indicated that he expects to attend the Aug. 25 Travers Stakes, the highlight of the Saratoga meet, but it's doubtful that he'll name a new franchisee before then. State lawmakers left Albany on June 21 without resolving the racing question and it's believed Spitzer won't do anything until after Labor Day.
Keehn was a member of the state Ad Hoc Committee on the Future of Racing that recommended Excelsior Racing Associates last November as the firm best-suited to get the franchise. After taking office in January, Spitzer named a new committee chaired by his special counsel, Richard Rifkin, to evaluate each firm's bid.
NYRA's challengers are Excelsior, Empire Racing Associates and Capital Play Inc.
"All of the candidates have strengths and weaknesses that provide a rational basis for choosing one over another; but in the final analysis, the time for evaluation is coming to an end and the time to make a decision is at hand," Keehn wrote.
Her letter included 10 points the state include as part of the next franchise. They are:
1. Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct should be kept together as part of a single franchise.
2. Winter racing should continue at Aqueduct.
3. Aqueduct should not be closed.
4. Racing and gaming should not be separated into two parts.
5. Video lottery terminals should not be installed at Saratoga Race Course.
6. Exclusive Saratoga race dates should be assured.
7. Saratoga Springs should get a greater share of racing tax revenues. Specifically, Keehn said the city should get 75 percent of admission taxes that are now split 50-50 with Saratoga County. In 2006, the city's share was almost $400,000. The city needs more to offset annual budget shortfalls, while the county already has a comfortable surplus, she said.
8. Saratoga's spring and fall training sessions should be preserved and enhanced.
9. Saratoga Race Course improvements should be subject to local land use regulations.
10. Backstretch improvements should be made at all three tracks.
