This is a very quickly composed email to the TXRC this morning when I returned to town to discover that there had been some sort of 'secret' meeting that changed the proposal that the TTA was going to submit to the TXRC. I would be very interested to find out what Board members who are not on the Executive committee think about their vote on the 27th and the vote on the proposal which is being put forward today?
I am sorry that I have not emailed you sooner but I have been out of town for the last week. I am opposed to any changes to the dates already allocated to the Class 1 tracks. I feel that those tracks should have to run the dates already allocated to them unless some Act of God makes it impossible. Why waste TXRC time having meetings and setting a calendar if the tracks are just going to do what they want to anyway.
Moving on, myself like many other grass-root horsemen in TX, have been apathetic and naive in believing that own elected reps. on the TTA and THP were there to protect the interests of all TX horsemen, large and small. Having been made more aware of the process in the last 6 weeks or so I am absolutely furious at previously mentioned associations. I did attend the last TTA Board of Directors meeting at LSP and a unaniamous (sp) vote was passed to bring a proposal for 106 racing days to the TXRC........now I find out that there has been some sort of 'secret' meeting where another proposal was passed for submission. What did the vote at the August 27 th meeting mean? Why was it considered necessary to have another meeting (I presume it was an executive closed meeting) and change the proposal? Why wasn't it a full Board meeting???? (They use teleconferencing in the regular meetings) I do not support the TTA/THP proposal before you today and I do not give much credence to anything that they may say or do at todays meeting. I certainly can assure you that most grass roots horsemen do not support the TTA/THP proposal either.
I fully realize that most of these issues do not concern the TXRC and are issues that we need to, and will deal with at the association level but I would like the TXRC to be aware of how poorly, shoddily and underhandily the TTA and THP have treated their members.
I had recieved a notice by mail that our membership had lapsed and with elections coming up I wanted to be assured of my membership status with the TTA. A phone call to a staff member could not tell us what the status of our membership was? Surely their records of membership are not that difficult to discern. We have never recieved a ballot for voting for the THP despite holding TXRC licences as an owner and a trainer since June of 2007. Everything with both assns. seems to be last minute and pre-ordained by the slots or nothing crowd. Everyone is pointing the finger at someone else. Anything the TXRC can do to help the grass-roots horsemen will be seen as a big positive by many people and I really want to thank you for at least giving us a chance to have our voice heard.
Joanne Hammond
Texas Thoroughbred Forum
Moderators: Roguelet, hpkingjr, WaveMaster
Strategic Maneuver wrote:Thanks for the recommendation Roger, but I've thrown in the towel so to speak and my farm goes on the market next week. Besides I believe the best for Texas racing and breeding lies somewhere between the "mushrooms" and the "elitists". Cutting race dates dramatically hurts many people in the business but keeping all the race dates at our current purse structure is is also killing our industry.
I hate to hear that you are plus in this business. Don't be a stranger on this site and I do want you to join the face book family.
Loving God, Loving People and Serving = Peace and Happiness
Try it you will like it.
Try it you will like it.
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keyranch
- Allowance Winner
- Posts: 433
- Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2005 5:56 am
- Location: salado, texas
- Contact:
Well, strategic maneuver you got what you wanted. The racing commission voted for middle ground. Fewer days at SHRP at 150k/day and fewer days at Lone Star at around 180k/day.
We will post what I turned into the TRC today on the facebook page.
The HBPA and TTA did not say anything negative about the loss of days at Lone Star, loss of T-bred races, and I am sure there will be loss the T-bred stakes races to go along with it.
Lets face it folks, from where we started in July it is remarkable that any days at all were saved. Remember they started last November getting organized for this. So, it is a victory for the horsemen and it is a reminder that there is a lot of word to do. What cost us the last piece of the puzzle was the backdoor stabbings by the TTA and HBPA. The full board voted for Lone Stars 60 day meet-The executive committee changed to support their 52 day meet!
Both directors an every member of the boards that voted for your loss in racing opportunity needs to resign or be voted out. Race dates issues are done unless we can get new representation and if we can not get rid of these folks we have to continue to develop the Horsemen's Alliance of Texas and put a HAT on the mushrooms.
At the same time our political agenda must be ramped up to get the attention of our legislators. It was funny some of the comments made by the tracks about how well represented the horsemen were by the associations and that the dates issues were all solved without burning bridges. The TRC does not realize how many bridges the associations have burned over their lack of support for their members.
The associations need to live up to same standards of transparency and responsiveness that the TRC has to live up to. If the TRC does not have the ability to impose some guidelines on these folks we need to make it part of our political agenda and explain our views to the legislators as we go through our agenda. Again, in front of the commission they have blamed their lack of management skills on the slots in the surrounding states.
This is firm notice, the slots or nothing agenda is now DOA!! The mushrooms will be one the phones and e-mails to every legislator in the state of Texas beginning tomorrow. We may not succeed but it will not be left up to the folks that have failed for a decade and have no chance for success this time either.
The funny part of the meeting was the time spent patting each other on the back etc. It reminded me of something I wrote earlier about they all congrats to each other and go have lunch and celebrate another day of manipulating their membership to be good little drones!
We will post what I turned into the TRC today on the facebook page.
The HBPA and TTA did not say anything negative about the loss of days at Lone Star, loss of T-bred races, and I am sure there will be loss the T-bred stakes races to go along with it.
Lets face it folks, from where we started in July it is remarkable that any days at all were saved. Remember they started last November getting organized for this. So, it is a victory for the horsemen and it is a reminder that there is a lot of word to do. What cost us the last piece of the puzzle was the backdoor stabbings by the TTA and HBPA. The full board voted for Lone Stars 60 day meet-The executive committee changed to support their 52 day meet!
Both directors an every member of the boards that voted for your loss in racing opportunity needs to resign or be voted out. Race dates issues are done unless we can get new representation and if we can not get rid of these folks we have to continue to develop the Horsemen's Alliance of Texas and put a HAT on the mushrooms.
At the same time our political agenda must be ramped up to get the attention of our legislators. It was funny some of the comments made by the tracks about how well represented the horsemen were by the associations and that the dates issues were all solved without burning bridges. The TRC does not realize how many bridges the associations have burned over their lack of support for their members.
The associations need to live up to same standards of transparency and responsiveness that the TRC has to live up to. If the TRC does not have the ability to impose some guidelines on these folks we need to make it part of our political agenda and explain our views to the legislators as we go through our agenda. Again, in front of the commission they have blamed their lack of management skills on the slots in the surrounding states.
This is firm notice, the slots or nothing agenda is now DOA!! The mushrooms will be one the phones and e-mails to every legislator in the state of Texas beginning tomorrow. We may not succeed but it will not be left up to the folks that have failed for a decade and have no chance for success this time either.
The funny part of the meeting was the time spent patting each other on the back etc. It reminded me of something I wrote earlier about they all congrats to each other and go have lunch and celebrate another day of manipulating their membership to be good little drones!
Paid a joint 2 year membership today for Brad and myself. This is another area that needs looking at by the Board. Would it be easier to hav a Jan - Dec. membership period i.e. everyone pays dues in January? If we stick to the current method surely an invoice or reminder could be sent the month before memberships lapse.
Mr. Kerby,
If you are going to post what you call facts - it at least needs to be the truth. You blame the THP and the TTA for the race date reduction in 2011. Do you not read the newspapers or listen to the radio when they report how bad the economy is? No worries, I did some research for you. Some of the other racetracks without gaming that have requested a decrease in the number of live race dates are:
Churchill Downs - 73 days in 2009 and only 62 days in 2010
Ellis Park - 48 days in 2009 and 27 days in 2010
Turfway Park - 114 days in 2009 and 88 days in 2010
Pinnacle - 68 days in 2009 and 25 days in 2010
Ohio - reduced 20 days in 2010
Nebraska - 104 days in 2009 and 91 days in 2010
Del Mar - 43 days in 2009 and 37 days in 2010
Hollywood Park - spring/summer meet raced 4 days/week instead of
traditional 5 days/week citing all handle sources are down 11-12%
from 2009
So, as you can see, Texas is no exception given the current economic climate. I don't know where you get the idea the HBPA has been involved in "secret meetings". The TXRC has ALWAYS year after year requested the horsemen's reps meet with the track reps to hash out a race calendar for the upcoming year. These meetings have NEVER been secret - it's just part of the TXRC process. I'm amazed by how much power and control you say I have!! If that were true, maybe your horse wouldn't still be a maiden after 22 starts - I could have just forced the other horses in the same race to let your's win...but, moving on. You also mention, "it's all about slots." WRONG AGAIN !!!!! There is another plan out there but I'm unable to discuss this with you considering what your legislative tactics have been so far. You also keep referring to the HBPA as being an elite board - we're not. We're just average horse men and women who enjoy watching their horses run in Texas and care about what happens to this sport we love so much. But when our executive director receives verbal and email threats on her life and her family's lives and when I get my windows shot out of 2 of my vehicles while parked in my driveway - I have to speak up - ENOUGH IS ENOUGH - WITH THE PERSONAL ATTACKS!! I realize we are in America and you are entitled to your opinion - but you need to post it as an opinion - not as facts.
If you are going to post what you call facts - it at least needs to be the truth. You blame the THP and the TTA for the race date reduction in 2011. Do you not read the newspapers or listen to the radio when they report how bad the economy is? No worries, I did some research for you. Some of the other racetracks without gaming that have requested a decrease in the number of live race dates are:
Churchill Downs - 73 days in 2009 and only 62 days in 2010
Ellis Park - 48 days in 2009 and 27 days in 2010
Turfway Park - 114 days in 2009 and 88 days in 2010
Pinnacle - 68 days in 2009 and 25 days in 2010
Ohio - reduced 20 days in 2010
Nebraska - 104 days in 2009 and 91 days in 2010
Del Mar - 43 days in 2009 and 37 days in 2010
Hollywood Park - spring/summer meet raced 4 days/week instead of
traditional 5 days/week citing all handle sources are down 11-12%
from 2009
So, as you can see, Texas is no exception given the current economic climate. I don't know where you get the idea the HBPA has been involved in "secret meetings". The TXRC has ALWAYS year after year requested the horsemen's reps meet with the track reps to hash out a race calendar for the upcoming year. These meetings have NEVER been secret - it's just part of the TXRC process. I'm amazed by how much power and control you say I have!! If that were true, maybe your horse wouldn't still be a maiden after 22 starts - I could have just forced the other horses in the same race to let your's win...but, moving on. You also mention, "it's all about slots." WRONG AGAIN !!!!! There is another plan out there but I'm unable to discuss this with you considering what your legislative tactics have been so far. You also keep referring to the HBPA as being an elite board - we're not. We're just average horse men and women who enjoy watching their horses run in Texas and care about what happens to this sport we love so much. But when our executive director receives verbal and email threats on her life and her family's lives and when I get my windows shot out of 2 of my vehicles while parked in my driveway - I have to speak up - ENOUGH IS ENOUGH - WITH THE PERSONAL ATTACKS!! I realize we are in America and you are entitled to your opinion - but you need to post it as an opinion - not as facts.
-
jrgators
- Starters Handicap
- Posts: 690
- Joined: Sat Jan 14, 2006 5:26 pm
- Location: Lockhart, Texas
- Contact:
I WOULD NEVER MAKE LIGHT OF PEOPLE BEING PERSONALLY ATTACKED. HOWEVER TO COMMENT ABOUT THE THP AND TTA BOARDS AREN'T PERSONAL ATTACKS, BUT WHEN A MEMEBER OF THE BOARD MAKES AN ATTACK NOT ON THE "GROUP" IE. TTA, THP, ETC. THEN IT'S PERSONAL.
THE PRESIDENTS AND EXEC DIRECTORS OR ANY MEMBERS GETTING DEATH THREATS ISN'T COOL. HOWEVER IT'S NOT COOL FOR SOMEONE TO TRY AND BLAST A MUSHROOM ABOUT A $14.00 MYSTERY DEBT. IT’S ALSO NOT COOL TO HAVE THIS DISPOSITION OF MINIMIZING A PERSONS RIGHT OR ABILITY TO SPEAK BASED ON THE NUMBER OF DOLLARS THAT HE OR SHE HAS PUT INTO THE BUSINESS, OR BASE IT ON THE FACT THAT A PERSON HAS NOT BEEN RACING HORSES BECAUSE A PERSON HAS BEEN BREEDING AND RAISING THEIR FOALS, AND HAPPENS NOT TO BELIEVE IN RACING THEIR 2 YEAR OLDS.
MS. QUEEN, THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE ON THE TTA, AND THE THP BOARD THAT ARE ELITIST IN THEIR ATTITUDE. HERE’S IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT….THE ENTIRE TIME I WAS SPEAKING AT THE LAST MEETING IN AUSTIN THIS RUDE PERSON WAS SITTING BEHIND ME, AND COMMENTING ABOUT WHAT I HAD TO SAY. WHEN I STATED THAT I WOULD RUN FOR THE THP THIS YOUNG LADY STATED, “YOU GOTTA START A HORSE FIRST.” I KNOW THIS YOUNG LADY IS A SMART PERSON, AND SHOULD KNOW HOW TO CONDUCT HERSELF IN A MEETING OF THIS NATURE. TO SIT BEHIND ME YOUNG LADY, AND COMMENT WITH ALL OF YOUR COMMENTS SHOWED SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER. THE BOARD MEMBERS OF THE THP WERE VERY FORTH COMING ON HOW THEY FELT ABOUT SOME SMALL TIME OWNER/TRAINER DUDE LIKE MYSELF TELLING THEM THAT HE WAS DISSATISFIED WITH THE JOB THEY WERE DOING. IT WAS ACTUALLY VERY CLEARLY STATED ON MORE THAN 1 OCCASION, AND BY MORE THAN 1 PERSON OF THE THP BOARD THAT IF “YOU WANT INPUT, THEN YOU NEED TO BE A BOARD MEMBER!” THAT’S NOT ARROGANT QUEEN? IF THAT’S NOT ARROGANT WHAT IS?
IF YOU QUEEN ARE WHO I THINK YOU ARE, YOU SHOULD NOT BE SO CAUGHT UP WITHIN YOURSELF!
THP BOARD MEMBER JAYNES AT THE MEETING IN AUSTIN A FEW WEEKS AGO, MADE NEGATIVE, AND MISLEADING STATEMENTS ABOUT JOE KERBY, SHARON KERBY, AND MYSELF. THE TRANSCRIPTS AREN’T POSTED YET ON THE TRC WEBSITE, BUT CHECK THEM OUT.
SHE HAD THE NERVE TO CHALLENGE HOW LONG IT’S BEEN SINCE A PERSON HAS RACED A HORSE, HOW MANY HORSES, AND THIS MYSTERY BILL! CHECK IT OUT, IT’S IN THE TRANSCRIPTS. THE ARROGANCE WAS AS CLEAR AS MY BALD HEAD! SHAMEFULLY THIS IS THE TYPE OF RESPONSE A PERSON GETS FROM A PERSON WHO IS A “HORSEMENS” REPRESENTATIVE.
THE QUOTING OF TRACKS AND THE REDUCTION OF RACE DATES IS HUMEROUS AT BEST. YOU GUYS HAVEN’T BEEN INTERESTED IN NUMBERS, NOR IN FACTS. THERE HAVE BEEN A TON OF FACTS GIVEN TO YOU FOR YEARS, AND THERE IS BUT 1 FACT THAT MATTERS. SLOTS!
IT'S NOT COOL TO LEAVE PEOPLE WITH THIS FEELING OF BEING LIED TO OVER AND OVER. THAT'S SOMETHING I CAN ASSURE YOU HAPPENED TO ME IN THE LONG HOURS I WORKED WITH TTA DURING THE LAST LEGISLATIVE SESSION AND THERE WAS NO PLAN B. THERE STILL ISN'T A PLAN B, AND YOU (WHOEVER YOU ARE) ARE ATTEMPTING TO KID ME THAT THE SLOTS OR NOTHING STANCE IS DEAD. I GUESS NEXT YOU’LL TELL ME THAT ELVIS WAS AT HEB THIS MORNING DRINKING HOT COOCA, EATING A CHEESE BAGEL.
THERE IS NO SUPPORT FROM THOSE WHO I HAVE WORKED WITH TO SUPPORT WACKOS! I DON’T THINK THAT IT’S FAIR TO BLAME JOE KERBY OR ANYONE ELSE BECAUSE SOME WHACKO PERSON DECIDES TO SEND A CRAZY LETTER, OR SHOOT OUT SOMEONES WINDOWS!! THOSE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE MENTALLY DISTURBED ON A DIFFERENT LEVEL!
I HAVE SAID IT IN THE PAST QUEEN, AND I’LL SAY IN AGAIN TONIGHT…..I AS AN INDIVIDUAL WILL WORK AS HARD AS I CAN FOR WHAT I BELIEVE IN. I DON’T BELIEVE IN THE SLOTS OR NOTHING AND WILL WORK TIRELESSLY TO HAVE SLOTS OR NOTHING DEFEATED!! SLOTS OR NOTHING IS A DANGEROUS ROAD THAT’S A DEAD END ROAD.
THE POLITICIANS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN AREN’T GOING TO SUPPORT SLOTS, IT’S JUST THAT SIMPLE. MR. DEWHURST YOU KNOW THAT LT. GOVERNOR DUDE, HAS SAID NO! WE NEED TO GET THIS CLEARLY IN OUR HEADS. SLOTS ARE WONDERFUL, BUT WHAT DO YOU DO UNTIL THEY COME???
ADW, IS SUCH AN EASY FIX, AND IT’S A VERY SMART ONE TOO! OPEN UP OUR DOORS VIA THE INTERNET TO THE REST OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, AND THEY’LL SHOW YOU ABOUT OUR PRODUCT. THIS WILL HELP US TREMENDOUSLY, AND THE PUSH BACK FROM THE LEGISLATURE WOULD BE MINIMAL IN MY OPINION.
HEY QUEEN, THE STUFF ABOUT OHIO, I’M FROM THERE, AND IT BREAKS MY HEART WHAT’S HAPPENED THERE, AND THEY MADE THE SAME MISTAKES YOU GUYS ARE MAKING. OHIO IS A CONSERVATIVE STATE, AND THEY PUSHED SLOTS OR NOTHING FOR YEARS. THEY WERE FURTHER ALONG THAT WE ARE BECAUSE THEY COULD GET IT TO THE VOTERS. IT WAS TURNED DOWN YEAR AFTER YEAR. THAT’S THE OTHER PART OF THE EQUATION THAT YOU AREN’T SHARING, AND THE THP, AND TTA AREN’T BEING FORTHCOMING ABOUT….IF THE LEGISLATION GET OUT OF THE LEGISLATURE, IT STILL HAS TO PASS THE VOTERS!!!! GETTING IT TO THE FLOOR IS ONLY ABOUT 1/3 OF THE BATTLE.
SO, YOU GET IT TO THE GOVERNOR, AND HE’S OK WITH IT, AND NOW IT’S UP TO THE PEOPLE…..HOW MANY GAZILLIONS OF DOLLARS DO YOU THINK ARE GOING TO BE PUMPED INTO TEXAS FROM OUR SURROUNDING STATES?? HOW MANY TV ADS WITH LITTLE HUNGRY, UNGROOMED, LITTLE BLACK AND BROWN BABIES SITTING IN THE CAR OUTSIDE THE CASINO, AND MAMA AND DADDY INSIDE WITH A CIGARETTE IN ONE HAND, AND A SLOT MACHINE IN FRONT OF THEM?? C’MON GUYS WAKE UP!! THIS IS TEXAS, NOT NEW JERSEY! TEXAS IS BRIGHT RED, AND IT’S GOING TO STAY THAT WAY.
LAST THING….WE SHOULD HAVE A LITTLE MORE DIALOGUE THAT BASED LESS ON EGO’S AND MORE ON GETTING THE JOB DONE. I WILL TRY TO CONTACT EVERY STATE LEGISLATURE PERSONALLY OVER THE NEXT 90 DAYS TO SUPPORT ADW’S. WE NEED TO REVAMP THE BOARDS OF THE TTA, AND THP. NEW BLOOD, NEW IDEAS, AND FACES, THAT’S WHAT WE NEED ON THESE BOARDS.
LAST, LAST THING….CONGRATS ON ANOTHER GOOD WEEKEND AT RETAMA! NICE FIELDS, NICE PRICES, AND A NICE HANDLE FOR A NIGHT WITH UT FOOTBALL. GOOD JOB MR. BROWN. BEST OF LUCK TO ALL RACING THERE AGAIN THIS WEEKEND! HOPEFULLY MY SON WILL FINALLY LET ME COME AND WATCH ME A FEW RACES.
BE BLESSED,
THEO
OH YEAH, QUEEN…..PINNACLE, DEL MAR, AND HOLLYWOOD ALL HAVE ADW’S! THEY JUST DON’T HAVE SLOTS, AND YEP, IT’S ALL ABOUT SLOTS!! (JUST THOUGHT I’D POINT THAT OUT TO YA).
THE PRESIDENTS AND EXEC DIRECTORS OR ANY MEMBERS GETTING DEATH THREATS ISN'T COOL. HOWEVER IT'S NOT COOL FOR SOMEONE TO TRY AND BLAST A MUSHROOM ABOUT A $14.00 MYSTERY DEBT. IT’S ALSO NOT COOL TO HAVE THIS DISPOSITION OF MINIMIZING A PERSONS RIGHT OR ABILITY TO SPEAK BASED ON THE NUMBER OF DOLLARS THAT HE OR SHE HAS PUT INTO THE BUSINESS, OR BASE IT ON THE FACT THAT A PERSON HAS NOT BEEN RACING HORSES BECAUSE A PERSON HAS BEEN BREEDING AND RAISING THEIR FOALS, AND HAPPENS NOT TO BELIEVE IN RACING THEIR 2 YEAR OLDS.
MS. QUEEN, THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE ON THE TTA, AND THE THP BOARD THAT ARE ELITIST IN THEIR ATTITUDE. HERE’S IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT….THE ENTIRE TIME I WAS SPEAKING AT THE LAST MEETING IN AUSTIN THIS RUDE PERSON WAS SITTING BEHIND ME, AND COMMENTING ABOUT WHAT I HAD TO SAY. WHEN I STATED THAT I WOULD RUN FOR THE THP THIS YOUNG LADY STATED, “YOU GOTTA START A HORSE FIRST.” I KNOW THIS YOUNG LADY IS A SMART PERSON, AND SHOULD KNOW HOW TO CONDUCT HERSELF IN A MEETING OF THIS NATURE. TO SIT BEHIND ME YOUNG LADY, AND COMMENT WITH ALL OF YOUR COMMENTS SHOWED SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER. THE BOARD MEMBERS OF THE THP WERE VERY FORTH COMING ON HOW THEY FELT ABOUT SOME SMALL TIME OWNER/TRAINER DUDE LIKE MYSELF TELLING THEM THAT HE WAS DISSATISFIED WITH THE JOB THEY WERE DOING. IT WAS ACTUALLY VERY CLEARLY STATED ON MORE THAN 1 OCCASION, AND BY MORE THAN 1 PERSON OF THE THP BOARD THAT IF “YOU WANT INPUT, THEN YOU NEED TO BE A BOARD MEMBER!” THAT’S NOT ARROGANT QUEEN? IF THAT’S NOT ARROGANT WHAT IS?
IF YOU QUEEN ARE WHO I THINK YOU ARE, YOU SHOULD NOT BE SO CAUGHT UP WITHIN YOURSELF!
THP BOARD MEMBER JAYNES AT THE MEETING IN AUSTIN A FEW WEEKS AGO, MADE NEGATIVE, AND MISLEADING STATEMENTS ABOUT JOE KERBY, SHARON KERBY, AND MYSELF. THE TRANSCRIPTS AREN’T POSTED YET ON THE TRC WEBSITE, BUT CHECK THEM OUT.
SHE HAD THE NERVE TO CHALLENGE HOW LONG IT’S BEEN SINCE A PERSON HAS RACED A HORSE, HOW MANY HORSES, AND THIS MYSTERY BILL! CHECK IT OUT, IT’S IN THE TRANSCRIPTS. THE ARROGANCE WAS AS CLEAR AS MY BALD HEAD! SHAMEFULLY THIS IS THE TYPE OF RESPONSE A PERSON GETS FROM A PERSON WHO IS A “HORSEMENS” REPRESENTATIVE.
THE QUOTING OF TRACKS AND THE REDUCTION OF RACE DATES IS HUMEROUS AT BEST. YOU GUYS HAVEN’T BEEN INTERESTED IN NUMBERS, NOR IN FACTS. THERE HAVE BEEN A TON OF FACTS GIVEN TO YOU FOR YEARS, AND THERE IS BUT 1 FACT THAT MATTERS. SLOTS!
IT'S NOT COOL TO LEAVE PEOPLE WITH THIS FEELING OF BEING LIED TO OVER AND OVER. THAT'S SOMETHING I CAN ASSURE YOU HAPPENED TO ME IN THE LONG HOURS I WORKED WITH TTA DURING THE LAST LEGISLATIVE SESSION AND THERE WAS NO PLAN B. THERE STILL ISN'T A PLAN B, AND YOU (WHOEVER YOU ARE) ARE ATTEMPTING TO KID ME THAT THE SLOTS OR NOTHING STANCE IS DEAD. I GUESS NEXT YOU’LL TELL ME THAT ELVIS WAS AT HEB THIS MORNING DRINKING HOT COOCA, EATING A CHEESE BAGEL.
THERE IS NO SUPPORT FROM THOSE WHO I HAVE WORKED WITH TO SUPPORT WACKOS! I DON’T THINK THAT IT’S FAIR TO BLAME JOE KERBY OR ANYONE ELSE BECAUSE SOME WHACKO PERSON DECIDES TO SEND A CRAZY LETTER, OR SHOOT OUT SOMEONES WINDOWS!! THOSE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE MENTALLY DISTURBED ON A DIFFERENT LEVEL!
I HAVE SAID IT IN THE PAST QUEEN, AND I’LL SAY IN AGAIN TONIGHT…..I AS AN INDIVIDUAL WILL WORK AS HARD AS I CAN FOR WHAT I BELIEVE IN. I DON’T BELIEVE IN THE SLOTS OR NOTHING AND WILL WORK TIRELESSLY TO HAVE SLOTS OR NOTHING DEFEATED!! SLOTS OR NOTHING IS A DANGEROUS ROAD THAT’S A DEAD END ROAD.
THE POLITICIANS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN AREN’T GOING TO SUPPORT SLOTS, IT’S JUST THAT SIMPLE. MR. DEWHURST YOU KNOW THAT LT. GOVERNOR DUDE, HAS SAID NO! WE NEED TO GET THIS CLEARLY IN OUR HEADS. SLOTS ARE WONDERFUL, BUT WHAT DO YOU DO UNTIL THEY COME???
ADW, IS SUCH AN EASY FIX, AND IT’S A VERY SMART ONE TOO! OPEN UP OUR DOORS VIA THE INTERNET TO THE REST OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, AND THEY’LL SHOW YOU ABOUT OUR PRODUCT. THIS WILL HELP US TREMENDOUSLY, AND THE PUSH BACK FROM THE LEGISLATURE WOULD BE MINIMAL IN MY OPINION.
HEY QUEEN, THE STUFF ABOUT OHIO, I’M FROM THERE, AND IT BREAKS MY HEART WHAT’S HAPPENED THERE, AND THEY MADE THE SAME MISTAKES YOU GUYS ARE MAKING. OHIO IS A CONSERVATIVE STATE, AND THEY PUSHED SLOTS OR NOTHING FOR YEARS. THEY WERE FURTHER ALONG THAT WE ARE BECAUSE THEY COULD GET IT TO THE VOTERS. IT WAS TURNED DOWN YEAR AFTER YEAR. THAT’S THE OTHER PART OF THE EQUATION THAT YOU AREN’T SHARING, AND THE THP, AND TTA AREN’T BEING FORTHCOMING ABOUT….IF THE LEGISLATION GET OUT OF THE LEGISLATURE, IT STILL HAS TO PASS THE VOTERS!!!! GETTING IT TO THE FLOOR IS ONLY ABOUT 1/3 OF THE BATTLE.
SO, YOU GET IT TO THE GOVERNOR, AND HE’S OK WITH IT, AND NOW IT’S UP TO THE PEOPLE…..HOW MANY GAZILLIONS OF DOLLARS DO YOU THINK ARE GOING TO BE PUMPED INTO TEXAS FROM OUR SURROUNDING STATES?? HOW MANY TV ADS WITH LITTLE HUNGRY, UNGROOMED, LITTLE BLACK AND BROWN BABIES SITTING IN THE CAR OUTSIDE THE CASINO, AND MAMA AND DADDY INSIDE WITH A CIGARETTE IN ONE HAND, AND A SLOT MACHINE IN FRONT OF THEM?? C’MON GUYS WAKE UP!! THIS IS TEXAS, NOT NEW JERSEY! TEXAS IS BRIGHT RED, AND IT’S GOING TO STAY THAT WAY.
LAST THING….WE SHOULD HAVE A LITTLE MORE DIALOGUE THAT BASED LESS ON EGO’S AND MORE ON GETTING THE JOB DONE. I WILL TRY TO CONTACT EVERY STATE LEGISLATURE PERSONALLY OVER THE NEXT 90 DAYS TO SUPPORT ADW’S. WE NEED TO REVAMP THE BOARDS OF THE TTA, AND THP. NEW BLOOD, NEW IDEAS, AND FACES, THAT’S WHAT WE NEED ON THESE BOARDS.
LAST, LAST THING….CONGRATS ON ANOTHER GOOD WEEKEND AT RETAMA! NICE FIELDS, NICE PRICES, AND A NICE HANDLE FOR A NIGHT WITH UT FOOTBALL. GOOD JOB MR. BROWN. BEST OF LUCK TO ALL RACING THERE AGAIN THIS WEEKEND! HOPEFULLY MY SON WILL FINALLY LET ME COME AND WATCH ME A FEW RACES.
BE BLESSED,
THEO
OH YEAH, QUEEN…..PINNACLE, DEL MAR, AND HOLLYWOOD ALL HAVE ADW’S! THEY JUST DON’T HAVE SLOTS, AND YEP, IT’S ALL ABOUT SLOTS!! (JUST THOUGHT I’D POINT THAT OUT TO YA).
The Queen wrote:Mr. Kerby,
If you are going to post what you call facts - it at least needs to be the truth. You blame the THP and the TTA for the race date reduction in 2011. Do you not read the newspapers or listen to the radio when they report how bad the economy is? No worries, I did some research for you. Some of the other racetracks without gaming that have requested a decrease in the number of live race dates are:
Churchill Downs - 73 days in 2009 and only 62 days in 2010
Ellis Park - 48 days in 2009 and 27 days in 2010
Turfway Park - 114 days in 2009 and 88 days in 2010
Pinnacle - 68 days in 2009 and 25 days in 2010
Ohio - reduced 20 days in 2010
Nebraska - 104 days in 2009 and 91 days in 2010
Del Mar - 43 days in 2009 and 37 days in 2010
Hollywood Park - spring/summer meet raced 4 days/week instead of
traditional 5 days/week citing all handle sources are down 11-12%
from 2009
So, as you can see, Texas is no exception given the current economic climate. I don't know where you get the idea the HBPA has been involved in "secret meetings". The TXRC has ALWAYS year after year requested the horsemen's reps meet with the track reps to hash out a race calendar for the upcoming year. These meetings have NEVER been secret - it's just part of the TXRC process. I'm amazed by how much power and control you say I have!! If that were true, maybe your horse wouldn't still be a maiden after 22 starts - I could have just forced the other horses in the same race to let your's win...but, moving on. You also mention, "it's all about slots." WRONG AGAIN !!!!! There is another plan out there but I'm unable to discuss this with you considering what your legislative tactics have been so far. You also keep referring to the HBPA as being an elite board - we're not. We're just average horse men and women who enjoy watching their horses run in Texas and care about what happens to this sport we love so much. But when our executive director receives verbal and email threats on her life and her family's lives manand when I get my windows shot out of 2 of my vehicles while parked in my driveway - I have to speak up - ENOUGH IS ENOUGH - WITH THE PERSONAL ,
ATTACKS!! I realize we are in America and you are entitled to your opinion - but you need to post it as an opinion - not as facts.
Hey Queen, welcome to our little family here on the forum. Perhaps, if you would have joined us earlier, we could have had a more civil relationship. You seem to be concerned about Joe not running enough, but the Texas Racing Industry has many components. Just how many horses have you started at Retama, how many at SH and come to think of it I don't remember you running at LS this year.
Hey Queen Jantoniette
Loving God, Loving People and Serving = Peace and Happiness
Try it you will like it.
Try it you will like it.
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tinners way
- Allowance Winner
- Posts: 415
- Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2006 1:48 pm
Dear Queen,
I find it hard to believe you had your windows shot out, but if you did hopefully you have reported it to the authorities. No one fighting this fight would ever condone such activity, or people making threats. Let's all be adults.
Today was a victory for racing in Texas. (you may disagree) Breeders and owners are waking up that the business as usual of slots or nothing is a bad agenda. Yup, 10 years is a long time, but finally common sense is taking hold.
I am a member of the TTA Board. My goals which I outlined were to pursue more than a slots or nothing agenda, preserve racing dates, and readdress the breed back rule. I still believe these are the most pressing issues for true economic development of the TEXAS THOROUGHBRED INDUSTRY. (Remember we are supposed to have a positive impact on the TEXAS economy.)
Had the entire board voted, I would not have supported the latest round of dates that were accepted. It is not the number of dates the board agreed to. There is still too much detail that has been left out for everyone to consider. I do believe a lot has been accomplished the past two months, but I do not think the HBPA can take the credit. It doesn't wash. A vote that wasn't a vote, a scrambling for facts, etc., and you continue to say it is not about slots. BS.
Are you happy with todays results, or do you still believe 60 was the magic number? You and your entire board were willing to accept 60 days. What changed your mind?
Your comment ,"we will not share our agenda". well, since I would guess that over 95% of the people reading these posts are members of either the HBPA or the TTA, it appears it will be business as usual.
We all have read the papers and listened to the radio. In fact Ms.Young is quoted as saying the crisis would lead to victory with the legislature. Different quote today, today is a "new era".
Yes, other racing jurisdictions have reduced dates. In Texas, we have reduced every year for the past 7. Good job. Walk by the pennies and the nickels, and always just reach for the brass ring. (We used to have 205- you probably enjoyed watching your horses run more frequently then.)
For 10 years the agenda has been slots or nothing. I am vehemently opposed to this agenda. Please read carefully, I am not opposed to slots. I want slots, but not at the continued expense of the other initiatives.
Yes, Queen, it is all about slots. Or at least until you break out this new agenda to your members, which if I read correctly, you are not willing to do.
It's all about slots.
I find it hard to believe you had your windows shot out, but if you did hopefully you have reported it to the authorities. No one fighting this fight would ever condone such activity, or people making threats. Let's all be adults.
Today was a victory for racing in Texas. (you may disagree) Breeders and owners are waking up that the business as usual of slots or nothing is a bad agenda. Yup, 10 years is a long time, but finally common sense is taking hold.
I am a member of the TTA Board. My goals which I outlined were to pursue more than a slots or nothing agenda, preserve racing dates, and readdress the breed back rule. I still believe these are the most pressing issues for true economic development of the TEXAS THOROUGHBRED INDUSTRY. (Remember we are supposed to have a positive impact on the TEXAS economy.)
Had the entire board voted, I would not have supported the latest round of dates that were accepted. It is not the number of dates the board agreed to. There is still too much detail that has been left out for everyone to consider. I do believe a lot has been accomplished the past two months, but I do not think the HBPA can take the credit. It doesn't wash. A vote that wasn't a vote, a scrambling for facts, etc., and you continue to say it is not about slots. BS.
Are you happy with todays results, or do you still believe 60 was the magic number? You and your entire board were willing to accept 60 days. What changed your mind?
Your comment ,"we will not share our agenda". well, since I would guess that over 95% of the people reading these posts are members of either the HBPA or the TTA, it appears it will be business as usual.
We all have read the papers and listened to the radio. In fact Ms.Young is quoted as saying the crisis would lead to victory with the legislature. Different quote today, today is a "new era".
Yes, other racing jurisdictions have reduced dates. In Texas, we have reduced every year for the past 7. Good job. Walk by the pennies and the nickels, and always just reach for the brass ring. (We used to have 205- you probably enjoyed watching your horses run more frequently then.)
For 10 years the agenda has been slots or nothing. I am vehemently opposed to this agenda. Please read carefully, I am not opposed to slots. I want slots, but not at the continued expense of the other initiatives.
Yes, Queen, it is all about slots. Or at least until you break out this new agenda to your members, which if I read correctly, you are not willing to do.
It's all about slots.
Ms. Queen,
Gave me a break! No one’s windows were shot out or lives threatened. We are not fighting for anything but racing dates and the same opportunities as the surrounding states.
You tend to "hit below the belt" on your comments at the TxRC meeting and on your post tonight. There is no merit in stating that someone has a $14.00 outstanding bill from "x" amount of years ago. There is no merit in stating that someone has not "started or won" a race in "x" amount on months or years. You are trying to discredit people who have been in this business for a long, long time! So not cool and unprofessional! If Theo doesn't give you the $14.00 I will (but please send him the bill first LOL .. we are all on a tight budget!). As for Joe and Sharon Kerby, you should be ashamed of yourself! The have stood stallions and are standing stallions in the state of Texas. There has been more man hours, sweat and blood in their barns than what you see in sitting in your chair .. and by the way, do you know that they stand Lil's Lad, Uncle Abbie, Special Rate ... and stood Sand Ridge (until an unfortuante step of foot) and Tinner's Was (we went to Old Friends in Kentucky for retirement). Without the stallion owners and breeders their wouldn't be weanlings, yearlings and two year olds? Goof, you are missing the whole thing!
Get out out of your tiger stripe, sleeveless dress and 4" heels.
Jazette Hudson
Gave me a break! No one’s windows were shot out or lives threatened. We are not fighting for anything but racing dates and the same opportunities as the surrounding states.
You tend to "hit below the belt" on your comments at the TxRC meeting and on your post tonight. There is no merit in stating that someone has a $14.00 outstanding bill from "x" amount of years ago. There is no merit in stating that someone has not "started or won" a race in "x" amount on months or years. You are trying to discredit people who have been in this business for a long, long time! So not cool and unprofessional! If Theo doesn't give you the $14.00 I will (but please send him the bill first LOL .. we are all on a tight budget!). As for Joe and Sharon Kerby, you should be ashamed of yourself! The have stood stallions and are standing stallions in the state of Texas. There has been more man hours, sweat and blood in their barns than what you see in sitting in your chair .. and by the way, do you know that they stand Lil's Lad, Uncle Abbie, Special Rate ... and stood Sand Ridge (until an unfortuante step of foot) and Tinner's Was (we went to Old Friends in Kentucky for retirement). Without the stallion owners and breeders their wouldn't be weanlings, yearlings and two year olds? Goof, you are missing the whole thing!
Get out out of your tiger stripe, sleeveless dress and 4" heels.
Jazette Hudson
Mrs. Backus,
Those things really did happen and I have police reports to prove it. But that doesn't matter. I can tell by your comments the personal attacks aren't going to stop. That's okay, I can take it...... And Mr. Lichenger, I had several horses run this year at Lone Star. I won't run any at Retama because I've had several of my horses to break down there,so my Texas breds are running in other states.I would have liked for LS to run 60 days instead of the 52, but I also understand Shubeck in wanting to keep his purse level up. I was just trying to point out that Texas isn't the only state having to reduce dates, but I see now that you guys don't want any facts on this forum that goes against your agenda.
Those things really did happen and I have police reports to prove it. But that doesn't matter. I can tell by your comments the personal attacks aren't going to stop. That's okay, I can take it...... And Mr. Lichenger, I had several horses run this year at Lone Star. I won't run any at Retama because I've had several of my horses to break down there,so my Texas breds are running in other states.I would have liked for LS to run 60 days instead of the 52, but I also understand Shubeck in wanting to keep his purse level up. I was just trying to point out that Texas isn't the only state having to reduce dates, but I see now that you guys don't want any facts on this forum that goes against your agenda.
The Queen wrote:Mrs. Backus,
Those things really did happen and I have police reports to prove it. But that doesn't matter. I can tell by your comments the personal attacks aren't going to stop. That's okay, I can take it...... And Mr. Lichenger, I had several horses run this year at Lone Star. I won't run any at Retama because I've had several of my horses to break down there,so my Texas breds are running in other states.I would have liked for LS to run 60 days instead of the 52, but I also understand Shubeck in wanting to keep his purse level up. I was just trying to point out that Texas isn't the only state having to reduce dates, but I see now that you guys don't want any facts on this forum that goes against your agenda.
How many is several? Retama's track is no worse than LS's. I feel that most of those who do break down or get sore at Retama do so because they trained at LS every day. I'm guessing that you did not race at SH last year. When I voted for you, I was impressed that you were doing well playing the cheap claiming game. I felt that you would be a true representive for ALL horsemen and the WHOLE Texas Racing Industry, but now after watching you at the LS meeting, and reading your comments in the transcripts of other meetings, I have to believe you are out of touch with all of us who run at SH, Retama, and who run in the cheaper races at LS.
Loving God, Loving People and Serving = Peace and Happiness
Try it you will like it.
Try it you will like it.
-
tinners way
- Allowance Winner
- Posts: 415
- Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2006 1:48 pm
Queen Bee,
You ignore the facts.
Answer the simple question. Are you happy with more dates or would you have preferred 60?
I agree with you on the Retama surface. Probably the worst of the three. Sam Houston has one of the best turf courses in the country and it would have been a shame for them not to run. Lone Star was probably the best it has ever been this year.
You can't have it both ways. You say it's not about slots, but it is.
Mr. Shubeck has a dilemma. He makes money on live racing and food and beverage sales. More dates, more butts. Real challenge is how to improve the sale of the signal. Fuller fields is one. More competitive races is two. Possibly a more favorable takeout for the professional handicapper is three. And an adjustment of time of day or days of the week. These options are better than the continuing adventure down the road of fewer dates with a "slots or nothing" agenda.
You wield the power toss of "I will not share". And that, along with the "slots or nothing" agenda is the problem.
Also, the name is Leckinger.
You ignore the facts.
Answer the simple question. Are you happy with more dates or would you have preferred 60?
I agree with you on the Retama surface. Probably the worst of the three. Sam Houston has one of the best turf courses in the country and it would have been a shame for them not to run. Lone Star was probably the best it has ever been this year.
You can't have it both ways. You say it's not about slots, but it is.
Mr. Shubeck has a dilemma. He makes money on live racing and food and beverage sales. More dates, more butts. Real challenge is how to improve the sale of the signal. Fuller fields is one. More competitive races is two. Possibly a more favorable takeout for the professional handicapper is three. And an adjustment of time of day or days of the week. These options are better than the continuing adventure down the road of fewer dates with a "slots or nothing" agenda.
You wield the power toss of "I will not share". And that, along with the "slots or nothing" agenda is the problem.
Also, the name is Leckinger.
-
keyranch
- Allowance Winner
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- Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2005 5:56 am
- Location: salado, texas
- Contact:
Morning folks, I thank Queen for coming back to visit on the forum. We can all take a bit of criticism, we are big kids now. Violence or threats of violence is not to be condoned in any way. I am surprised you did not consider the reaction of people to having their representatives approve of their livelihoods being taken away from them, and that is exactly what the 48% reduction in race dates would have done!
The facts of the issues are absolutely in question. I hope you have read every document provided to the TRC for the race dates proposal. Even though the TRC requested proposals, there were none given by the TTA or the HBPA for everyone to look at. We did with lots of references so that hopefully people could read them and learn more about the business side of the industry. Excluding myself, there were some very qualified and very intelligent people contributed to those documents.
I have no doubt Mr. Shubeck is one of the smartest people in the room when it comes to negotiations and the ins and outs of the business side of racing. He is also very good at saying the minimal of what needs to be said in order to make his case. He rarely gets rattled and he will correct himself or sharpen his points at the next opportunity. Going through the transcripts he made some interesting statements such as we will reduce dates if we do not get the supplement and we have a positive cash flow with people in the seats during racing and that we are making adjustments for the next meet with the current situation. He is intent on running at the highest possible purses with or without the supplement and regardless of the overall impact on the industry. As always, he is doing what he sees as Lone Stars best interest. Another quality of Shubecks management was the ability to use the associations and the press to put points out there so that he would not have to before the commission under oath. He was always very careful with his words and would pass off to someone else if the answer could be considered misleading. Unfortunately, we did not have someone of equal talent representing the horsemen's best interest!
Our problem with the loss of dates at Lone Star is that by allowing them to reduce the dates you have taken away the incentive to improve their product! If they go head to head with Monmouth again(which is doubtful), they can chose to take the loss to purses so that they can make more off of attendance. The associations assumed and repeated the mantra that the reason for the loss in signal revenues was from reduced field size and lack of quality to the point you must have believed that fiction. You never looked past the smoke to see the fire and the real reasons for the loss in handle and purse money. We were screaming from the bleachers trying to get your(the associations) attention and we were totally ignored. Lone Star did a bait and switch on the industry and has the potential to easily run at over 200k next year and we lost eight more days of racing opportunity. We will post on our facebook page the document that was given to the TRC by myself making the point. You could tell by commissioner Schmidts reaction, he questioned the validity of my points and I referred him to the transcripts as reference. The concept that the TRC was given partial information or was manipulated for the tracks benefit did not seam to set well with him(he should have read the transcripts instead of the press releases).
As far as the secret meetings go. Transparency would be a good start by having a list of who, what, where, when, and why people were attending those meetings. Post the agendas for everyone to see and prove that the associations were representing their membership, and show the process in which the association came up with the conclusion that the loss of 48% of the racing opportunity for Texans was a good thing!
We see our only chance of regaining those days is with a total change in the leadership in the associations and that is our goal.
We would hope that people like yourself would consider the lost decade in Texas Racing as a learning experience and join our efforts to get some real change in Texas. I have been talking to board members of both associations and you would be surprised how many hidden mushrooms are out there at this time. This fight is bigger than individuals, it is about an industry in dire need of leadership. Our leadership is not from an individual it is from a group of like minded individuals that want to see their passion on the race track!
The facts of the issues are absolutely in question. I hope you have read every document provided to the TRC for the race dates proposal. Even though the TRC requested proposals, there were none given by the TTA or the HBPA for everyone to look at. We did with lots of references so that hopefully people could read them and learn more about the business side of the industry. Excluding myself, there were some very qualified and very intelligent people contributed to those documents.
I have no doubt Mr. Shubeck is one of the smartest people in the room when it comes to negotiations and the ins and outs of the business side of racing. He is also very good at saying the minimal of what needs to be said in order to make his case. He rarely gets rattled and he will correct himself or sharpen his points at the next opportunity. Going through the transcripts he made some interesting statements such as we will reduce dates if we do not get the supplement and we have a positive cash flow with people in the seats during racing and that we are making adjustments for the next meet with the current situation. He is intent on running at the highest possible purses with or without the supplement and regardless of the overall impact on the industry. As always, he is doing what he sees as Lone Stars best interest. Another quality of Shubecks management was the ability to use the associations and the press to put points out there so that he would not have to before the commission under oath. He was always very careful with his words and would pass off to someone else if the answer could be considered misleading. Unfortunately, we did not have someone of equal talent representing the horsemen's best interest!
Our problem with the loss of dates at Lone Star is that by allowing them to reduce the dates you have taken away the incentive to improve their product! If they go head to head with Monmouth again(which is doubtful), they can chose to take the loss to purses so that they can make more off of attendance. The associations assumed and repeated the mantra that the reason for the loss in signal revenues was from reduced field size and lack of quality to the point you must have believed that fiction. You never looked past the smoke to see the fire and the real reasons for the loss in handle and purse money. We were screaming from the bleachers trying to get your(the associations) attention and we were totally ignored. Lone Star did a bait and switch on the industry and has the potential to easily run at over 200k next year and we lost eight more days of racing opportunity. We will post on our facebook page the document that was given to the TRC by myself making the point. You could tell by commissioner Schmidts reaction, he questioned the validity of my points and I referred him to the transcripts as reference. The concept that the TRC was given partial information or was manipulated for the tracks benefit did not seam to set well with him(he should have read the transcripts instead of the press releases).
As far as the secret meetings go. Transparency would be a good start by having a list of who, what, where, when, and why people were attending those meetings. Post the agendas for everyone to see and prove that the associations were representing their membership, and show the process in which the association came up with the conclusion that the loss of 48% of the racing opportunity for Texans was a good thing!
We see our only chance of regaining those days is with a total change in the leadership in the associations and that is our goal.
We would hope that people like yourself would consider the lost decade in Texas Racing as a learning experience and join our efforts to get some real change in Texas. I have been talking to board members of both associations and you would be surprised how many hidden mushrooms are out there at this time. This fight is bigger than individuals, it is about an industry in dire need of leadership. Our leadership is not from an individual it is from a group of like minded individuals that want to see their passion on the race track!
Hear, hear Joe. Well done and congratulations to you and the others on what you accomplished in a very short time.
Queenie.......(*&^%*&^$^%& is all I can say at this time. It's going to be time to walk the walk and talk the talk very soon. Please TTA/THP directors DO NOT regard us as the enemy we're are not. We just have the feeling that the politicians, lobbyists and those who would benefit most from the slots or nothing agenda have led you very cleverly down the proverbial garden path. Yours is a thankless task but nowwould be the time to let us know what you really think. And I think I can promise you that we value and rspect your opinions and I won't shoot your windows out, I promise.
Queenie.......(*&^%*&^$^%& is all I can say at this time. It's going to be time to walk the walk and talk the talk very soon. Please TTA/THP directors DO NOT regard us as the enemy we're are not. We just have the feeling that the politicians, lobbyists and those who would benefit most from the slots or nothing agenda have led you very cleverly down the proverbial garden path. Yours is a thankless task but nowwould be the time to let us know what you really think. And I think I can promise you that we value and rspect your opinions and I won't shoot your windows out, I promise.