Kentucky Sen. David Williams responds to Bill Farish

[Ray Paulick]

Attheraces did such a good job earlier this year explaining the crisis in Kentucky that I thought Derbytrail.com readers who listened to the programs might be interested in seeing what Sen. president David Williams, the roadblock to slots legislation, had to say about Bill Farish's recent editorial on the issue.

Farish's editorial:

Williams' rebuttal:

[Kasept]

Thanks for putting up the links Ray. (And the kind compliment.) This morning, I printed them out, as well as your Slots piece, to bring up on the show next week.

Williams seems to live in some alternate universe. Rarely have I seen a politico so disconnected from the realities. It's.. bizarre.

[citycat]

If the quote from trainer Mike Lauer is accurate I am truly disappointed in him. If he feels that way maybe he should stop border-running to slot enhanced tracks.

[Scav]

Originally Posted by citycat

If the quote from trainer Mike Lauer is accurate I am truly disappointed in him. If he feels that way maybe he should stop border-running to slot enhanced tracks.

If he could stop on October 3rd, that would be great

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by citycat

If the quote from trainer Mike Lauer is accurate I am truly disappointed in him. If he feels that way maybe he should stop border-running to slot enhanced tracks.

What Lauer said is correct, the fact is that we have been 2nd class citizens for a number of years at the CDI tracks yet no politician has raised a finger to help us. Williams is a typical corrupt politician. What else is new?

What will be new is guys like me leaving and taking our horses with us. Maybe it is no big deal if I take my 25 or so horses out of here but I am hardly alone. Look at the Eastern tracks and see all the KY guys who have moved horses there. Watch to see how many regular KY outfits there are left at TP this winter. Williams doesnt give a damn about anything other than filling his own pockets.

[PSH]

From an standpoint of an owner it just makes too much economic sense to base at say a Philadelphia Park with their increased purses and have the options of shipping to Delaware, Monmouth, Meadowlands, Colonial Downs, and up to New York if you have a really nice horse. The options increase and the purses are competitive.

PSH

[Danzig]

i live in south arkansas (i appreciate the condolences) and can relate to what is going on in kentucky. rather than gambling being an issue (which really, is still is) i live in a dry county. so, the revenue that arkansas could be receiving when we go buy our adult beverages goes to louisiana instead. while down there, i also buy groceries (no sales tax on food, unlike in arkansas) as well as lottery tickets (passed, but not yet on sale here). and i promise you, i am far from the only one living in this corner of the state who does so.
williams offers the argument that there isn't much business to be had-i assure him that is patently false. the largest liquor and lottery sales in the states surrounding arkansas are those stores closest to their shared border with arkansas. citizens here want the stuff, as indicated by the fact they travel elsewhere to buy it. the same could be said about your kentucky citiziens.

regardless of the fact that this senator may personally not want expanded gaming, he needs to consider the much larger picture. he's not doing so, which speaks volumes to his abilities to handle a government role. it's not personal, it's business.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

What Lauer said is correct, the fact is that we have been 2nd class citizens for a number of years at the CDI tracks yet no politician has raised a finger to help us. Williams is a typical corrupt politician. What else is new?

What will be new is guys like me leaving and taking our horses with us. Maybe it is no big deal if I take my 25 or so horses out of here but I am hardly alone. Look at the Eastern tracks and see all the KY guys who have moved horses there. Watch to see how many regular KY outfits there are left at TP this winter. Williams doesnt give a damn about anything other than filling his own pockets.

And why is it bad for racing that it is comsolidating to business friendly environments? Your 25 horses will be welcomed in NY, perhaps it will be good for your business, perhaps the advent of 6 ot 7 other such trainers in Ny will spur better racing? The gold rush had everyone move to the west when the gold dried up people had to change. While I am sorry that the industry has to consolidate in order for it to carry on, it appears to be a very Darwinian evolution.
As for the politician, all that needs to be said is why is he any different then any other? As for if he is philosophically correct on slots or just a knucklehead who cares the country needs more slots like they need to print more money. Imagine racing for 45 Mdn Spl in Ny without slots..Imagine the purses going to 55k because you and your KY botherhood bring an additional 400 head to the area. maybe allowance racing will return to NY..Wow a card filled with 1,2,3 other than races now that would be healthy.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by freddymo

And why is it bad for racing that it is comsolidating to business friendly environments? Your 25 horses will be welcomed in NY, perhaps it will be good for your business, perhaps the advent of 6 ot 7 other such trainers in Ny will spur better racing? The gold rush had everyone move to the west when the gold dried up people had to change. While I am sorry that the industry has to consolidate in order for it to carry on, it appears to be a very Darwinian evolution.
As for the politician, all that needs to be said is why is he any different then any other? As for if he is philosophically correct on slots or just a knucklehead who cares the country needs more slots like they need to print more money. Imagine racing for 45 Mdn Spl in Ny without slots..Imagine the purses going to 55k because you and your KY botherhood bring an additional 400 head to the area. maybe allowance racing will return to NY..Wow a card filled with 1,2,3 other than races now that would be healthy.

And how exactly is that good for the state of KY?

[VOL JACK]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Thanks for putting up the links Ray. (And the kind compliment.) This morning, I printed them out, as well as your Slots piece, to bring up on the show next week.

Williams seems to live in some alternate universe. Rarely have I seen a politico so disconnected from the realities. It's.. bizarre.

Like I have said on this board numerous times...D Williams is from burkesville , ky. Where horse racing is no more mainstream than it would be in Alaska.

[philcski]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Thanks for putting up the links Ray. (And the kind compliment.) This morning, I printed them out, as well as your Slots piece, to bring up on the show next week.

Williams seems to live in some alternate universe. Rarely have I seen a politico so disconnected from the realities. It's.. bizarre.

He does, it's called Appalachia. Cumberland County has less people living in it than it did in 1860, which is near impossible. There are 36 churches and only 12 gas stations. Who do you think he's trying to please?

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by philcski

He does, it's called Appalachia. Cumberland County has less people living in it than it did in 1860, which is near impossible. There are 36 churches and only 12 gas stations. Who do you think he's trying to please?

The Indiana casino interests that are likely schmearing him..