2005 - Harness Tracks of America, Inc.

HARNESS TRACKS OF AMERICAExecutive NewsletterA daily fax and e-mail report on racing and gaming developments in North America and beyondPaul J. Estok, Editor March 14, 2005MARTIN TO LEAD RCIC’BURY HAS RACINO PROPOSALFrank Zanzuccki, chairman of the Association of Officials at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota,have unveiled a legislative proposal to sup-Racing Commissioners International (RCI) hasannounced that Edward J. Martin has been named port a $120 million racino development at its 380-president and chief executive officer of the association.Of the appointment, Zanzuccki said, “We terbury management released an economic analy-acre site. At a state capitol news conference, Can-are extremely fortunate and pleased to select an sis that determined a racino would generate atindividual of Ed Martin’s stature to serve as our least $200 million in new tax revenue for the stateorganization’s next chief executive. He is an experiencedregulator who has a grasp of the im-on the conclusions of the economic consultingduring the first two years of full operation. Basedportant issues and possesses the right blend of experience,knowledge and the ability to lead our would: Generate $180 million in new state gam-group, the proposed 3,000 machines at the racinoorganization.” Martin is expected to begin his tenureat RCI around the first of April. He is cur-fee; generate at least $200 million in future bieningtax revenues, including a $100 million up-frontrently in the process of winding up his duties with nia when the racino is fully operational; createthe New York State Racing and Wagering Board, 1,300 full and part-time jobs from racino operations;increase live racing purses by $18 million;where he has served as executive director since1997. Prior to joining the racing board in New and produce over $9 million per biennium.York, Martin managed the New York Departmentof Economic Development and served as a memberof the New York Casino Gambling Commis-The U.S. department of justice has told NorthPOKER BILL THREATENEDsion. From 1991 through 1996, Martin Served as Dakota attorney general Wayne Stenehjem it believesa proposal to license Internet poker violatesCEO of Armadillo Group, Inc., a strategic communicationsgroup he founded. Throughout the federal law. The letter, signed by Laura Parsky, a1980s, Martin held positions with the Federal deputy assistant attorney general in the justiceEnergy Regulatory Commission, was chief spokesmanand advisor to U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato cally address North Dakota’s proposed law, butdepartment’s criminal division, does not specifi-and was director of communications and senior repeats the agency’s belief that federal law “prohibitsgambling over the Internet, including ca-advisor to the majority leaders and members ofthe New York State Senate.sino-style gambling.”In other news from the regulator’s side of the business,Thomas B. Gaines, a Lexington, Kentucky,horseman and son of the late John Gaines, hasbeen named to the Kentucky Horse Racing Authorityby Gov. Ernie Fletcher. Gaines is a partnerin Gaines-Gentry Thoroughbreds and is presidentof KBC International, an equine supply businessbased in Lexington. Other Authority memberswhose terms expire this year are LarryTelle, Tom Handy, and former HTA presidentand owner of Castleton Farm JohnCashman.SEEKING ASST. PROGRAM EDITORAn HTA member racetrack is seeking a candidateto become the track’s permanent Assistant ProgramEditor. The position is seasonal, beginningin mid-March and continuing until the end of therace meet in mid-November. Experience is preferred,but the track would be willing to train acandidate who shows promise and aptitude. Formore information contact the HTA offices byphone at 520-529-2525 or by e-mail atinfo@harnesstracks.com.