Gural Rips Pena At Senate Hearing

[Just Saying]

I would be fine with having a commish that was elected by the track owners & horsemen, an one standard set of rules nationwide, but PLEASE don't let politicians get involved. If you think we have our problems now, wait 'til the pols get their grubby little fingers in it.

[AmyHollar]

I love how there is a Senate hearing on cheating in horse racing but I've yet to hear of one on the revenue lost from inappropriate regulation of internet wagering.

[LVGaryD]

Or more importantly, a Senate hearing in why the Senate has not passed a budgetary over three years. Nice leadership Harry, you asshole!

[Wilderness]

I would be fine with having a commish that was elected by the track owners & horsemen, an one standard set of rules nationwide,

Just,
        Isn't that the bureaucracy that exists today at the USTA?
There are sixty odd-directors that represent both horsemen and tracks.
 On most days these folks are unable to agree upon what day today is

 The confusion comes from the individual jurisdictions (state and province) and their inability to agree on standard policies.

 These jurisdictions will NEVER give up those rights, nor that revenue simply to appease the "betterment of the sport".

[MichiganDale]

I have to say this again at the risk of sounding like a broken record....Until the USTA gets deeply immersed in the Political Arena they will be just a so-so organization and will never be a Great Organization.  Every successful National Trade Association knows this - USTA hasn't grasped it and gets very edgy and stand-offish when it comes up - I'd love to see the UNITED STATES Trotting Association be a political powerhouse on Capital Hill and in every State Capital as well rather than MIA (Missing In Action).   They have got to do this.

[AmyHollar]

They are record keepers........in my opinion, a very VALUABLE asset to our industry and I think they should stay just that.

[Wilderness]

I have to say this again at the risk of sounding like a broken record....Until the USTA gets deeply immersed in the Political Arena they will be just a so-so organization and will never be a Great Organization. 

Dale,
         The USTA is funded by fees and membership dues.
Their staff has been cut drastically in the last decades due to innovations and trends towards computer technology.

Despite that, they could potentially triple current fees and dues, while still NOT having enough revenue to immerse themselves in the gooey mess.

 FWIW, nearly all these 60-odd directors are expense reimbursed.
 Think about that the next time one of their gatherings (under the umbrella of a meeting) is held in Las Vegas

[Wilderness]

FWIW, nearly all these 60-odd directors are expense reimbursed.
 Think about that the next time one of their gatherings (under the umbrella of a meeting) is held in Las Vegas

More than a decade ago and my previous two websites, less than 3% of the traffic was generated by visitors west-of-the-Mississippi, while an approximate 6% of visitors were generated from the Oceanic countries.

 Considering the above stats, it would be more logical for the USTA meetings to be held in Tasmani (AU) or Stewart Island (NZ) than Vegas

[MichiganDale]

I pay those dues & fees and I know with 100% certainty that with proper budgeting USTA could get deeply immersed for less than most might think......and this would be without the aid of a PAC which I also believe should be established as a stand alone entity.  To me, and knowing what seperates great associations from ho-hum associations, political affairs involvement is something they can't afford not to do.  Its a change of mindset and direction that is required, thats all I'm recommending.  Its not a new concept its been proven effective.

[Wilderness]

They are record keepers........in my opinion, a very VALUABLE asset to our industry and I think they should stay just that.

 Amy,
           I agree 100%, unfortunately the USTA also represents a dwindling membership in a market that holds very little mainstream interests.

 Decades ago the USTA was in fact involved in a governing capacity. The drivers scandal at Scioto Downs in 1963 is a mere example of their involvement, and there were many more between 1939 and 1963.

 The Lawrence Sheppard battles with NY Commissioner Monoghan is another example.

[Wilderness]

To me, and knowing what seperates great associations from ho-hum associations, political affairs involvement is something they can't afford not to do.  Its a change of mindset and direction that is required, thats all I'm recommending.  Its not a new concept its been proven effective.

Dale,
          Is it possible that you could locate an another North American organization that has approximately 60-Directors on its Board?

 When Fred Noe was the Executive-Vice-President, he answered inquiries from the smallest of itineraries.
 Mr. Noe was not reluctant to explain to anybody that his position was simply that of a very-limited-mouthpiece.

 The current Executive-Vice-President is less cordial than Mr. Noe, while acting in the same capacity.
 They could save a chunk of change each year, simply by eliminating that position.

[AmyHollar]

Fred gave me a couple free sweat shirts once. 

Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned this? 

[bettor2belucky]

Gural is just your typical ultra-liberal.  My way or the highway.

that's funny because that's the way the Bush administration ran it ie. Rumsfeld etc...and I voted republican and still do....   as for Gural,  If it's your business you run it your way, if someone thinks they can do it better ..let them buy your business or start their own.....put up or shut up and Gural put it up....Pena's azz

[bettor2belucky]

I would be fine with having a commish that was elected by the track owners & horsemen, an one standard set of rules nationwide, but PLEASE don't let politicians get involved. If you think we have our problems now, wait 'til the pols get their grubby little fingers in it.

they're involved already if your track has slots.....

[bettor2belucky]

They are record keepers........in my opinion, a very VALUABLE asset to our industry and I think they should stay just that.

well said and I agree