Noonan delivers another salvo at Cuomo hubris

[Kasept]

Great work again from Tom Noonan reminding all of the Cuomo capriciousness. A MUST READ.

http://tenoonan.com/2013/10/16/nyra-and-vlts/

So it’s OK to use tax dollars to support Cornell University, the entertainment industry, Manhattan real estate developers, a chip fabrication plant owned by an overseas company, and the countless businesses and their employees who will be attracted to Cuomo’s numerous “tax-free communities.” But when it comes to using a portion of the profits from a gambling company located at a state race track to support the horse racing industry, Cuomo and his appointees to the New York racing industry act as if they have been asked to give up one of their children.

The other big question is why is horse racing the only industry not deserving of this Governor’s support? New York racing is one of the state’s signature industries. In addition to race tracks, there are dozens of farms where New York horses are bred, raised and cared for. The tracks and the farms employ tens of thousands of people. Many of those people are not ones who can afford a trip to The City to catch Jimmy Fallon or take up residence in one of those high-rise condo towers for which developers seem to need tax subsidies. Instead, they show up for work before the sun rises seven days a week. They are the trainers, grooms, hot walkers, jockeys, exercise riders, farm workers, and struggling owners who love horses and the sport. They are not looking for a hand-out, just a fair break. They simply have the misfortune of not having the money to make large political contributions, the engine that drives much of New York’s government and its policies.

Instead, they must rely on the 17-member NYRA Board to protect their interests. Stripping the VLT revenue from NYRA is clearly a priority of the Governor and Chairman Skorton. Individual Board members have a responsibility, and it is not fealty to the Governor. Rather, they have a fiduciary - if not moral - obligation to act in the best interests of New York racing and the many livelihoods dependent on it. This is, needless to say, an important issue with significant ramifications, and one that must be discussed in the light of day. Regrettably, Chairman Skorton has already stated his desire to have those discussions in secret. We can hope that the other members of the Board - twelve of whom are government appointees - will step up and insist on a process that is open and accountable.