To the Editor:
I am a lifelong harness racing fan and my business sponsors races in Maine and New York. Hollywood slots has helped invigorate Maine harness racing, an industry that puts millions of dollars in to the economy through services such as feed, training, veterinary and of course gambling revenue. Right here, in Waldoboro, Harold Ralph and family are legendary names in Maine harness racing. This is an industry worth saving.
New York, Delaware and Pennsylvania have all approved racinos at harness tracks and have seen resurgence in growth of the harness racing industry and revenue to their respective states. New York was able to build a brand new harness track, Tioga Downs. Saratoga and Yonkers have undergone a rebirth that fuels the harness racing industry, veterinary services, farms and feed stores.
Biddeford Downs was approved by a large margin. Voters have already approved a “racino” in Southern Maine. There is no need for yet another referendum. With the expertise of the owners of Scarborough Downs and Tom Walsh of OPL, this is the right project at the right time for Maine.
This is not just another casino. It is a complete entertainment complex that will support over 500 jobs that average $35,000 per year. It will take 800 construction workers to build the facility, money that will pump back into the pockets of Maine residents.
I have seen first hand OPL at work. The Samoset is a first class resort here in Maine. OPL recently purchased the Sagamore on Lake George New York and is in the process of turning that property back into a profitable operation.
Biddeford Downs is consistent with the voter approval of the expansion of gambling in Southern Maine. Not only will there be jobs but Maine’s harness racing will be further invigorated and we will see more farms and open space protected as purse monies increase.
Horses require pastures and they need farm grown hay. In my hometown of Manchester, Conn., I watched, in horror, the destruction of dairy and horse farms that now house malls and chains that siphon money out of state. Biddeford Downs will help protect Maine’s open space and farms and keep revenue within our state.
This is a wonderful family sport and Maine has “held on” while other states have failed this industry. Our governor has declared, “Maine is open for business”
Please tell your representatives to get this project moving. We want jobs, not more referendums.
Rick Skoglund, Waldoboro
