By R.J. DeLuke
Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive budget proposal includes a provision that would return New York Racing Association (NYRA) to private control. While those in the racing industry, including the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and the Concerned Citizens For Saratoga Racing, are not satisfied with its content.
Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, said the governor’s proposal is “a step forward … It’s better than what the governor submitted in 2016, but not something, as written, that we would support.”
In 2012, Cuomo took control NYRA when it was $25 million in debt and had no systematic plan for investing in its facilities and improving customer amenities. A reorganization board was formed and was to serve through October 2015. But in June 2016, after being unable to agree to a legislative deal that would end NYRA’s state-mandated oversight, Cuomo extended state control for an additional year.
There was mounting criticism for failing to return to the private sector control of the organization that operates Aqueduct, Belmont Park and Saratoga.