Gov. Christie is to announce today a plan that would force state-owned racetracks to privatize or shut down
"It's like being shot in the back," said Joe Tosies, who was brushing dirt off a standardbred horse in a stable this morning. "We love what we do here. This is just going to kill a lot of people's livelihoods."
Horse owners here also run their horses in New York and Pennsylvania race tracks, where many said they would move permanently if the Meadowlands facility closed.
"I talked to my wife last night, and we're all ready to sell my house and move," said John McDermott, 44, of Lyndhurst. "It'll be horrible. 85 percent of my revenues depend on here."
Others said they felt the state was wrongly putting Atlantic City ahead of them by not allowing slot machines at the race track.
"Atlantic City has always controlled the politicians," said Robert Siegelman, who rents stables at the race track. "It's such a no-brainer: Put the slots in here like they have in New York and Pennsylvania. The tracks at Chester have slots and that's just an hour from Atlantic City."
More coverage:
• N.J. Gov. Christie wagers on Democratic support for sweeping gaming industry changes
• Mark Di Ionno: Sports, show business is a billionaire's, not N.J. taxpayers' game
• Gov. Christie to announce complete overhaul of gaming industry
• Atlantic City officials, gamblers have mixed reactions on N.J. takeover of the casino district
• Christie's proposal may lead to Meadowlands, Monmouth Park racetracks sale, closure
• Atlantic City: Timeline of events since casino gambling became legal
• N.J. Gov. Christie plans takeover of Atlantic City casino district, sale of Meadowlands Racetrack
• Atlantic City casinos have been struggling to compete with gambling in surrounding states
• N.J. has a history of state takeovers of local governments, agencies
• N.J. Gov. Christie plans takeover of Atlantic City casino district, sale of Meadowlands Racetrack
• N.J. gaming industry massive overhaul: Winners & Losers
• N.J. has a history of state takeovers of local governments, agencies
Related coverage:
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• N.J. Sports Authority faces $30M budget gap despite cuts to operations, payroll
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• N.J. Sports Authority audit is sought by lawmakers amid mounting debt
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• Editorial: New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority's time has passed. Let's kill it.
| Spectators at Meadowlands Racetrack react to Gov. Christie announcement: Is this the end of New Jersey horseracing? |
| What does the governor's takeover of Atlantic City mean? |
Jockeys warm up horses at the Meadowlands Racetrack. Gov. Chris Christie is to announce today a plan that would force state owned racetracks to privatize or shut down.