Texas Thoroughbred Forum

[keyranch]

Sorry Dlove, did not mean to be personnally attacking you or any other board member as an individual, I name names or positions when that is an issue. In general the people on the boards have taken their time and energys to make the best decisions for the folks with the information they have. I have a problem with the information you are given to make decisions with, I do not believe you are given complete information but are given skewed information to maintain a political agenda. I have talked to many of your board members that want a viable plan B to move forward for the legislative session. It has been promised by the TTA for a decade now and it has never made it out of the starting blocks. There is absolutely no reason to believe this session will be any different left up to the associations, in fact it appears to us they are working more on 2013 than 2011.

We all know there are some good folks on the boards. It is not prudent to attack or destroy the associations we are members of and we do not make public every rumor and inuendo about them. We want a set of standards for the associations to have to adhere to just like the racing commission and any other agency that takes in or distributes state funds. The breeders fund and the horsemens accounts belong to the horsemen and not the associations. Just as Tax dollars belong to the citizens and not the state. It is the only way I can see to make them accountable for their actions and to the membership. I do not and the mushrooms do not want to be at all the meetings again next year trying to save the few race days we have left.

Until the TTA takes a position or appoints someone to represent them in addressing this issue it will only get swept under the rug and they will do the CYA routine. If they want to appoint you to represent them on the Flyers issue that would be fine, if they want to appoint David Stephens on that issue that would be fine. It needs to be resolved in an open and transparent way. The ball is in your court.

As far as the rape analogy, I disagree for a couple of reasons. I am the intended victim and my character and reputation was the objective to destroy. When someone tesifys against a rapist the lawyers take the tact of destroying the witnesses credibility. Is that not what the flyer was all about?

[dlove]

Dream2B....yes please just send to me through email or call me. I will be glad to bring issues or concerns forward as that is what we are here for to listen and to try to help/change things to make them better for all members.

[Roger]

Delvin, I wish that the boards had your attitude about their roles. I really think that we all forget that this is not all about" me". To often we forget that we are a part of the whole racing industry. I feel that the boards tend to cater to the elite members point of views. As I looked at the receiving barn parking lot yesterday at LS, most of the pick-ups were older and the trailers were older and there was one new big fancy pick-up with a high dollar trailer. That kind of represents our population in the racing industry. In the past it seemed like our boards were counting on a trickle down ecconomic model for decission making. I feel that we need a trickle up model in Texas. Take care of the base which is 85% of the industry and Texas racing will improve, Texas breds will improve, and big money and good horses will stay in Texas. You already are doing this with Capt. and I do appreciate your sacrifice.

[jrgators]

Good morning everyone!

I've been away for a few days, but I'm back now, and catching up....

First thing....The TTA, and the THP definately need to be reminded of whom works for whom. We don't work for them, they work for us, and please tell me what business can't request information from their employees, and can't get it?

We need, want, heck demand that we know when meetings are going to be, what the agenda items are, and that they are open. We also require that meetings are transcripted.

I have great respect for the leadership of these organizations, but we often respectfully disagree.

with all due respect to members of the boards, you have some responsibility, but the ultimate responsibility is that of the "leaders" of the respected organizations to be open and transparent. I personally BELIEVE that the problem is that these guys don't want to be open because they have something to hide. If you aren't dirty, then you don't need to be scared about what's going on.

We must keep something in mind friends, and that's the fact that without change we are going to be facing a huge hill to climb for next year. There is absolutely no shot of vlt's passing this year, and I believe that the leadership in the organizations know the same thing that I believe. That's why I can't wrap my brain around the insanity of pursuing what's not believed to be any hope of happening.

Oh yeah...for those who want to blame "the mushrooms" for the failure of VLT's you are 2 things...sad, and funny! It's sad on many levels, here's one of those points....you don't "blame" the mushrooms for saving the race dates situation for this year, you don't "blame" the mushrooms for trying to get the fair circuit off the ground, and ADW's but you actually BLAME us for a DEAD issue!!! WOW The funny part....you guys want us to shut up or get on the boards to bring about change right.....I know for a fact that I was presented to the nomination committe for the TTA board, and I haven't heard 1 word as to why I'm not being nominated, and the people of the TTA given the chance to tell me they don't want my happy tail on the board! So don't tell me one more time about joining your boards. You guys are conterfeit and shameless.

I'm so happy to be back, and can't believe nothing has changed!

Theophilus Scales, Jr.

512-398-2892 home
512-529-3417 cell

If I haven't said this before, you can call me more than once! Especially if you are a board member of the THP! LOL

Oh yeah, one more thang....was it the mushrooms 10 years ago that killed this joke? 8 years ago? maybe 6 years ago? Ok let me guess 4 years ago! Nope how about 2 years ago, wow we only kinda showed up 4 or 5 months ago, but this is our faul U GUYS ARE SADLY FUNNY!!

[Dream2B]

Have been reading the bylaws of the TTA (very interesting) Thought the highlighted text below maybe a way to effect change as apparently other avenues have been blocked. So much for the statement bandied about "if you want change run for the Board of Directors" !!!!!!!! There are several items in the bylaws that need to be looked at IMO.



Section 4. Amendments. An amendment to these Bylaws may be proposed by (1) the President, (2) a majority of the members of the Board of Directors, or [b](3) a signed petition from not less than two hundred fifty (250) voting Members filed with the Secretary;[/b] and any such proposed amendment may be adopted by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors present and voting at a meeting called for that purpose, written notice of same having been furnished not less than ten (10) days prior to such meeting. A proposed amendment need only set forth its substance or sense and may be redrafted in proper legal language by the Association's legal counsel after it is adopted.


I cannot find anywhere in the bylaws that says a member in good standing cannot view records (membership rolls and payment of membership dues are what I am wanting to see at the moment) of the TTA, but I have only read them thoroughly once. If it bcomes apparent that "No person shall be eligible for nomination or to serve as a Director unless he has been a Member in good standing with the Association for the prior twenty-four (24) months and a resident of the State of Texas." I think we need to look at this closely as to me it reeks of manipulation of candidates by someone. I will be writing to the Board of Directors shortly asking that they institute a procedure of sending either reminder cards or invoices for membership renewals like any other organization does.

[jrgators]

I anxiously awaiting finding out how, and why I was not able to make the ballot! I think some strong thoughts as to why, but I need someone to tell me why.

Hey Dave, I know you read this, call me! 1-512-398-2892 that's my new home number. I know I gave you guys my new address, but I'll give that again too......
6275 Hwy 183S
Lockhart, Texas 78644

In case you don't want to call me, just jot down a little note, and shoot that off to me in the mail.

Thanks,
Theo

[jrgators]

Have been reading the bylaws of the TTA (very interesting) Thought the highlighted text below maybe a way to effect change as apparently other avenues have been blocked. So much for the statement bandied about "if you want change run for the Board of Directors" !!!!!!!! There are several items in the bylaws that need to be looked at IMO.

I cannot find anywhere in the bylaws that says a member in good standing cannot view records (membership rolls and payment of membership dues are what I am wanting to see at the moment) of the TTA, but I have only read them thoroughly once. If it bcomes apparent that "No person shall be eligible for nomination or to serve as a Director unless he has been a Member in good standing with the Association for the prior twenty-four (24) months and a resident of the State of Texas." I think we need to look at this closely as to me it reeks of manipulation of candidates by someone.

Now dream, you KNOW what this is all about! If a group says that they are by the people, yet not for the people, do you want to let the people into your little club? What you do is you say a lot of hot stuff that's going to sound good, but when the rubber meets the road you have NO part of them!

See it's kinda like the stuff that's been said time and time again about this year is the year for VLT's.

Some these guys see the "mushrooms" as the "enemy" and because they see us as the enemy they have to fight against us. They have no desire for us to infiltrate their little spot.

Good racing luck to everyone this weekend, and I'll actually have time to go to Retama either tomorrow or Saturday, maybe BOTH!!

Win all your photo finishes, and come back safe!

Theo

[Strategic Maneuver]

Have been reading the bylaws of the TTA (very interesting) Thought the highlighted text below maybe a way to effect change as apparently other avenues have been blocked. So much for the statement bandied about "if you want change run for the Board of Directors" !!!!!!!! There are several items in the bylaws that need to be looked at IMO.



Section 4. Amendments. An amendment to these Bylaws may be proposed by (1) the President, (2) a majority of the members of the Board of Directors, or [b](3) a signed petition from not less than two hundred fifty (250) voting Members filed with the Secretary;[/b] and any such proposed amendment may be adopted by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors present and voting at a meeting called for that purpose, written notice of same having been furnished not less than ten (10) days prior to such meeting. A proposed amendment need only set forth its substance or sense and may be redrafted in proper legal language by the Association's legal counsel after it is adopted.


I cannot find anywhere in the bylaws that says a member in good standing cannot view records (membership rolls and payment of membership dues are what I am wanting to see at the moment) of the TTA, but I have only read them thoroughly once. If it bcomes apparent that "No person shall be eligible for nomination or to serve as a Director unless he has been a Member in good standing with the Association for the prior twenty-four (24) months and a resident of the State of Texas." I think we need to look at this closely as to me it reeks of manipulation of candidates by someone. I will be writing to the Board of Directors shortly asking that they institute a procedure of sending either reminder cards or invoices for membership renewals like any other organization does.

Manipulation, really???? If you have not been a member of the TTA and actively involved in breeding and/or racing for at least two years, then what would qualify you to be a member of the board. Also, I think if you are actively participating you would know the TTA sends out yearly membership renewals. Thank heavens as my memory isn't that good anymore.

[Dream2B]

Try being a member since 2005, also among the leading consignors at the yearling and mixed sale and NO I have never recieved a membership due invoice. I was just always told by a TTA employee " Oh by the way your mmbrship is due"
Oh and by the way we ran 4 diffrent horses at LSP in 2010 so guess that maks us members of the HPBA or THPHA or THP or TEG or TTHPBA take your choice.

[Strategic Maneuver]

Dream, please reread my post, it was in reference to your perceived idea that there was manipulation in the nomination of board members based on their time as members and residency.

[Dream2B]

Again I am an active participant in many facets of TX racing/selling/ownership/hold an active trainers licence courtesy of the TRC from 2005 thru' 2010 and again NO I did not recieve an membership renewal from the TTA. Let's see if JRGators recieved a membership renewal by mail? And considering the circumstances I feel embarassed.


Also, I think if you are actively participating you would know the TTA sends out yearly membership renewals. Thank heavens as my memory isn't that good anymore.

[jrgators]

Dream, please reread my post, it was in reference to your perceived idea that there was manipulation in the nomination of board members based on their time as members and residency.

Can you help me out? I checked back to August, and didn't find anything from you about this subject. I'd love to know what you think.

Thanks,
Theo

[Roger]

I think that we would be better off discussing issues and not members. Another issue with the shorter dates and imposed 3 month vacation is the state is loosing money. It is not a big thing, but my license is out 11/30/10 and I will not renew it until I need to go on track. Small little things like this add up. Not paying for exercise riders at the track for two months will have an impact on our industry. I don't know multiple any more, but it is something like every dollar brought into an industry or community is spent 4 or 5 times in that community or industry.
I guess I had better check on my membership, I've not been notified and it is about up. The question is whether or not the membership is worth $40. If it were not for the elections and hope that TTA can change to represent 85% of the industry, I would let it lapse.

[Roger]

While I see a need for stability in an organization, I find these by-laws really really heavily favoring the standing board. Add to these rules, the power to select who gets to run for a seat and it is almost impossible to impliment change. Lets look at Theo, he was nominated, but someone at TTA has the job and power to select two candidates for each position. We are to trust the TTA to look out for our interest and to trust them to select the most appropriate candidates. I don't think so!!!!!
IT IS TIME TO CONSIDER A PETITION TO RE-WRITE THE BY-LAWS. I say this even knowing that it is still up to the board to vote on it. I think we have something like 2,000 members in the TTA; therefore, we need more than 10% of the membership to just get this before the board. We can get that 10% but we need to know the foremat that is required. We need to get all of our FRIENDS to join-up while they can for $40

[jrgators]

The truth guys, I still have no idea what happened with my nomination, and it's now 5:21 PM, and Mr. Hooper nor anyone else for the TTA has called to explain to me why it went the way that it did.

I know that Dave is so busy working on the bill, that it's difficult to call a small fry like Theo. Now when I was a supporter 2 years ago of VLT's I got called all of the time. LOL

Theo