Bruno still throwing punches. This AM news, (TV10) reported if no resolution is completed by Jan 1, Bruno wants a Temp board assigned to run the Track until a final decision is reached.

I just got off the phone with Senator Bruno's office expressing my concern regarding the Senate's handling of the NYRA franchise issues. I think that yesterday's press conference was Senator Bruno's latest in his adoption of the adage that the "best defense is a good offense." His recent mailer was a similar pre-emptive attempt to blame the Governor in the event that a deal that meets his satisfaction is not struck.

I think Senator Bruno knows - and my comments to his Director of District Relations as an owner, breeder and resident of Saratoga Springs would not dispel this notion - that his consitutents and those in the racing industry will blame Senator Bruno if a franchise deal with NYRA in place is not completed in a timely fashion. If ever anyone was inclined to call a government official and voice your concern about an issue impacting you, now is the time to do it. He's feeling the heat, and those of us in the racing industry need to keep the heat on. His Senate office number is (518) 455-3191. Be reasonable (no screaming) and I think our voice might actually be heard.

Just called his office....politely offered to them the opinion that on this particular issue Senator Bruno is being be seen by many as being part of the problem as opposed to part of the solution...suggested to them that the political feud with Spitzer should not be allowed/used to hurt the many people in the NY thoroughbred industry...was asked to provide my name and number (which I gave) and was told that my comments would be passed on to Senator Bruno

No more Payson Dave, now Lobbyist Dave

Don't lobbyist get paid.......usually real well....just deposit my earnings to my on-line wagering account...

No paper trails is the 1st commandment of the lobbyist handbook

For the record, Joe Bruno's son is one of Albany's top lobbyists.

Perhaps these politicians, if no deal has been reached by the weekend, might spare a thought for the children and parents of the Belmont Child Care Association-whose Christmas party is on Saturday at Anna House.

If no deal is reached by Friday-I presume that Breeders' Cup when they have their Board meeting will yet again delay the awarding of the 2009 event to Belmont. Or maybe both Sha Tin and Sam Houston will again start claiming that they are the favourites to get it

Who would have thought?

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/nat...-question.aspx
NYRA President Charles Hayward said the case is nothing more than a dispute over accounting practices.

“This has been an issue for almost ten years,” he said.

He compared the situation to NYRA’s recent dispute with the Internal Revenue Service, which said NYRA owed the government $1.6-billion. In that case, the IRS used all handle, on- and off-track, before winnings are paid out to calculate NYRA’s income.

NYRA successfully argued that it should only be taxed on net income. The IRS has set a cap on its NYRA claim at no more than $25-million, and the final settlement could be $15-million or less.

Likewise, the state has recommended that NYRA change its accounting practices but has not demanded that it do so, Hayward said. He said he believes NYRA would prevail if the case ever went to court.

“We’ve had a fundamental disagreement over how the calculation’s arrived at,” he said. “We’ve gotten legal support from counsel, we’ve gotten accounting firm support. We just think that’s the way to do it. So do our lawyers. So do our accountants.”

Good rule of thumb.....if you read it in the NY Post it is BS.

Unfortunately most newspapers lack credibility today. The NY Times editorial of 11/24 on New York's OTBS is proof of that

This situation is a little different than the NY Times editorial. The newspapers are reporting on an audit by the state comptroller. The NY Post writer was lazy and did not get a response from NYRA as other publications did such as the Albany Times Union.

http://www.timesunion.com/ASPStories...E&LinkFrom=RSS

If you want a good laugh read the final paragraph from the above link.

The last paragraph is pretty amusing.

The article also shows what a non-piece of news this story is.....unless you're the NY Post.

I agree with Ray Casey about putting an end to the competition between the OTB's and NYRA.

The next racing franchise operator should manage each of the six statewide OTB corporations.

That's the best way to end the competition.

show them puppies for your answer. Afterall, I'm a NYRA employee and I'll be out of a job soon according to you. Cheer me up, sweet "lad"

The politicians in NY have shown their utter disdain for all the top quality horesmen in the industry. The entire racing industry has been insulted by their actions and racing should stop in NY on Jan. 1 if there is no signed agreement. The extension should be thrown back in their faces. That's the emotional response.

Rationally, the NY horsemen have been very dignified throughout this entire embarrassement.

Word has it Carole Stone won't be making many more statements from her once vaulted perch on the Oversight Board.