Oceanport Borough Designates Sunday June 5th “Hydrocephalus Awareness Day”

Woodbridge, NJ – Oceanport Borough has designated Sunday, June 5^th, 2011 as “Hydrocephalus Awareness Day”. That same day, the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation, Inc., which is the largest Hydrocephalus organization dedicated to raising awareness and money for children with this incurable life threatening brain condition, will host a charity fundraising event at Monmouth Park Racetrack in a trackside picnic area.

“On behalf of everyone suffering from this incurable brain condition, including my own 5 ½ year old son Cole, I want to thank Mayor Mahon and the Borough Council for passing this Proclamation, and declaring Sunday June 5^th as Hydrocephalus Awareness Day in Oceanport,” stated Michael Illions, Vice President and National Director of Advocacy for the PHF.

Mayor Michael Mahon, as well as several members of the Borough Council, will be on-hand at the PHF ‘Day at the Races’ Charity event to read and present the Proclamation to the members of the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation.

The event will be held on Sunday, June 5^th, starting @ 12:00pm @ Monmouth Park Racetrack. For more information regarding this event, please visit the event website @ www.active.com/donate/phfdonate.

Occurring in approximately 1 of every 500 births, Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excessive fluid gathers in the brain, abnormally widening spaces in the brain and placing potentially harmful pressure on brain tissues. Because of lack of advancements in treatment, many affected individuals are left unable to lead full and productive lives. Untreated, hydrocephalus could be fatal.

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Oceanport Officials Hail Monmouth Park Deal, Reiterate Call For Gaming In Meadowlands

The Monmouth Park Task Force is pleased the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has reached an agreement with developer and entrepreneur Morris Bailey for a five-year private lease to operate Monmouth Park Racetrack in the Borough of Oceanport. The NJSEA expects to turn over track operations to the private operator by June 1, 2011.

“Governor Christie’s announcement of the agreement comes with the approach of Opening Day on May 14^th.  Monmouth Park Racetrack is poised to return to its place as the premier location for thoroughbred horse racing. We look forward to Mr. Bailey’s plans for revitalizing the facility and capitalizing on the OTW’s. I look forward to seeing Monmouth Park under his management.” ‘ Said Mayor Michael J. Mahon, Task Force ChairmanThe Oceanport Task Force on Monmouth Park has been hoping a lessee would step forward who would be committed to maintain Monmouth Park as a racetrack and would be willing to forge a partnership with the Thoroughbred Horsemen to bring the industry to sustainability. This is critical for the Borough as we look to preserve jobs, protect the environment, maintain open space and preserve this historic centerpiece of horse racing in Monmouth County and the Jersey Shore.” Said Mayor Michael J. Mahon

“The Oceanport Task Force on Monmouth Park has continued to maintain the position that VLT’s, slot machines, or an all out gaming casino in the Meadowlands is the only way to protect horse racing in New Jersey. All the surrounding states of New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland now have some form of gaming at their race tracks.

“This uneven Playing field enables our competitors to lure New Jersey horseman out of State with larger purses and better quality horse racing.” said Task Force member and Councilman Joe Irace. “This will continue to challenge the industry as Mr. Gural takes the reins at the Meadowlands and Mr. Bailey begins operations here at Monmouth Park Racetrack. The Borough of Oceanport  will continue its long standing relationship with Monmouth Park and welcomes Morris Bailey to our community.”         

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OCEANPORT TASK FORCE COMMENTS ON DECISION BY THE NJSEA TO NEGOTIATE WITH DEVELOPER AND ENTREPRENEUR MORRIS BAILEY ON THE LEASE OF MONMOUTH PARK RACETRACK

The Monmouth Park Task Force is pleased with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority‟s choice to begin negotiations with developer and entrepreneur Morris Bailey for a five-year private lease to run Monmouth Park Racetrack. The NJSEA expects to turn over track operations by June 1, 2011 to the successful lease operator.

“Oceanport is pleased the Authority is taking the next step toward for a self-sustaining industry in New Jersey and returning Monmouth Park Racetrack to its place as the premier location for thoroughbred horse racing. We look forward to his plans for revitalizing the facility and capitalizing on the OTW‟s. I look forward to seeing Monmouth Park under his management.” „ Said Mayor Michael J. Mahon, Task Force Chairman “We‟re hopeful Mr. Bailey will bring a fresh excitement to the 2011 season and quickly build on the success of the Elite Summer Meet held last year. Monmouth will be an exciting place again for horse racing. Oceanport and Monmouth Park Racetrack will continue our long standing partnership and we look forward to working with Mr. Bailey as he takes the reins.” Stated Councilman and Task Force member Joseph Irace

“The Oceanport Task Force on Monmouth Park has been hoping a lessee would step forward who would be committed to maintain Monmouth Park as a racetrack. This is critical for the Borough as we look to preserve jobs, protect the environment, maintain open space and preserve this historic centerpiece of horse racing in Monmouth County and the Jersey Shore.” Said Mayor Michael J. Mahon

The Oceanport Task Force on Monmouth Park has continued to maintain the position that

VLT‟s, slot machines, or an all out gaming casino in the Meadowlands is the only way to protect horse racing in New Jersey. All the surrounding states of New York, Pennsylvania,

Delaware and Maryland now have some form of gaming at their race tracks. This uneven

Playing field enables our competitors to lure New Jersey horseman out of State with larger purses and better quality horse racing. This will continue to challenge the industry as new operators take the reins at both the Meadowlands and here at Monmouth Park Racetrack.

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Oceanport Task Force Comments on Decision to Seek Requests for Proposals for the Private Operation of Monmouth Park Racetrack

The Governor’s announcement today that the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority would issue, in the near future, a Request for Proposals for the lease of Monmouth Park, including assignment of additional off-track wagering operations, comes as no surprise to the Oceanport Task Force. Any operating lease must protect the Borough’s tax payment as this small community of 6,000 works diligently to overcome the approaching closure of Fort Monmouth (September 2011); reinvents local government in response to the Governor’s 2% cap law; and works cooperatively with its largest taxpayer, Monmouth Park.

We believe the Borough and the Thoroughbred Horsemen have similar goals for Monmouth Park and that both have much at risk as the transition takes shape for horse racing. Horse racing is an important and vital cog not only Oceanport’s economy and the economy of Monmouth County, but for the entire State of New Jersey.  Horse racing contributes 7,000 jobs, $110 million in federal, state and local taxes, and 57,000 acres of working agricultural landscape and open space to our “Garden State”.  

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Governor Christie Moves Horse Racing Closer to a Self-Sustaining Model with Legislation to Expedite Off Track Wagering

Trenton, NJ – Governor Chris Christie today moved forward with his commitment to making horse racing in New Jersey a self-sustaining industry by signing legislation to expedite the establishment of off-track wagering facilities in New Jersey. Another step forward comes early next week, when the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority will issue a request for proposals to bring a long-term solution to Monmouth Park through private operation. 

On December 17, 2010, Governor Christie announced a break-through agreement to end public subsidies of operations and purses for Standardbred racing at the Meadowlands Racetrack through the lease of that facility to the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association (SBOA). Governor Christie is looking forward to similar progress with Monmouth Park and Thoroughbred racing there with the RFP for a private operator. 

“We were successful in the Meadowlands, and we can do the same for Monmouth Park to the benefit of New Jersey taxpayers,” Governor Christie said.  “I want to see a vibrant but self-sustaining horse racing industry in New Jersey, but that can be accomplished without tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies every year.” 

Assembly Bill 1705, which Governor Christie conditionally vetoed on January 31 and the Legislature subsequently amended to include the Governor’s recommended changes, removes barriers to the establishment of OTWs by permitting persons other than racetrack operators to run OTW facilities, making OTWs a permitted use in all municipal land use zones, and increasing the accessibility to liquor licenses for OTW operators. 

Despite enactment of an original OTW law nearly a decade ago, only three of the 15 facilities allowed by law were established. Governor Christie’s conditional veto was necessary to preserve the NJSEA’s ability to transfer licenses in connection with the sale or lease of the state’s racetracks.  It also eliminated a 1 percent fee on OTW operators, but expressly noted that the Administration will work with the Legislature to find an alternative source of revenue for OTW host municipalities

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Oceanport Task Force Contiunes Fight For Horse Racing

VLT’s, slot machines, or an all out gaming casino in the Meadowlands is the only way to protect horse racing in New Jersey

Oceanport Councilman Joe Irace delivered the following report regarding the borough’s Monmouth Park Task Force at this evenings council meeting:

On Monday January 10th our Monmouth Park Task Force met to discuss the future of Monmouth Park as it pertains to the recent Hanson Report Part 2.  Our Task Force meeting was attended by a varied cross section of members including two former New Jersey State Senators, a horse veterinarian, thoroughbred owners, and concerned Oceanport residents.  The meeting was very specific and our participants quite vocal and knowledgeable.  Our Task Force once again maintained the position that VLT’s, slot machines, or an all out gaming casino in the Meadowlands is the only way to protect horse racing in New Jersey.  All the surrounding states of New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland now have some form of gaming at their race tracks.  This uneven playing field enables our competitors to lure New Jersey horseman out of State with larger purses and better quality horse racing.

Knowing the current legislative posture in New Jersey and knowing that gaming is not coming to the Meadowlands this year, our Task Force was once again proactive in seeking solutions to get us through 2011 and beyond.  Among the suggestions were: working with Monmouth Park to seek alternative revenue streams such as a boardwalk type facility in the picnic area, upscale restaurants, concerts, retail boutiques and perhaps even a hotel.  Anything to make Monmouth Park more desirable as an asset to the State, not just for horse racing, but as a destination place in the heart of the Jersey Shore.

The Task Force continues to ask for the actual financials of Monmouth Park, not of the full New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, of which Monmouth Park belongs.  Are the numbers the State uses correct when they say the facility loses $6 million?  We do not think so and would like to see the empirical evidence.

We continue to be concerned with the possible veto of a bipartisan bill approved in the New Jersey Senate and Assembly that would enable horse racing to not only survive, but to thrive.  It is important to remember that horse racing contributes 7,000 jobs, $110 million in federal, state and local taxes, and 57,000 acres of working agricultural landscape and open space to New Jersey.

Our Governing Body and our Task Force will continue to lobby our elected officials on behalf of Monmouth Park.  It is important not only to Oceanport and Monmouth County, but to the state of New Jersey as well.

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Irace promises viligance at Fort Monmouth, Calls for slots at the Meadowlands

The following are Oceanport Councilman Joe Irace’s remarks from today’s Reorganization Meeting:

Good Afternoon and Happy New Year!

This afternoon, I’m fortunate to have my family and friends with me as I begin my second term on Oceanport Borough Council.  I would like to thank the residents of Oceanport for giving me this chance to, again, serve as your councilman.  It is both an honor and a privilege.

I would like to thank my wife Eileen who, God knows puts up with a lot, and our two daughters Kristi and Samantha.  Samantha often serves as my official photographer and Campaign Manager.   The support and understanding of my family is an amazing gift that is truly appreciated. I would also like to thank my parents, Joseph and Jennie.  Mom & Dad, you are true inspirations to me and great role models, too.  Thanks to my Brother Rick and his family who are also with us today.  To all the residents of Oceanport, your overwhelming support is the reason I sit here today.   I pledge to continue my best work in my next three year term. 

Congratulations to all the fire and first aid officers sworn in today.  Special thanks to Tom Crochet, outgoing Chief, for his dedication to our borough.  I’d also like to thank outgoing Councilman Jay Briscione for his many years of service.  Jay’s contributions regarding our two biggest issues, Fort Monmouth and Monmouth Park, have been invaluable to all of us as a Governing Body.  I’m glad Jay has volunteered, to remain active in both of these important projects.  Welcome back Ted Ibex.  As a former Councilman, Ted has played an important part in what our team has accomplished.  I know he will be able to hit the ground running as he begins his current term.

The borough of Oceanport continues to deal with the direct and immediate impact of the closure of Fort Monmouth and the inane decisions involving Monmouth Park Racetrack.   We as a Governing Body and community have to be increasingly vigilant and proactive knowing we don’t have ultimate control over either issue.

The actions being taken today regarding Fort Monmouth affect the future of Oceanport.  Regardless of the political ramifications, we as a Governing Body, worked hard on the Fort Monmouth Redevelopment Bill.  We participated in conversations and debates that consumed many hours and were not always cordial but were necessary to protect Oceanport and our future as a community.  As a Governing Body we were able to extract an unprecedented 40 amendments to the original Fort Monmouth Bill which gave us some say in what happens in the 419 acres that will be located in our boundaries. Ultimately, this bill seems to reflect a lot of compromise as set forth in the amendments; HOWEVER, the one place that there was no compromise is in the underlying premise of the bill: State control.  In my opinion, everything after State control is secondary.   Therefore our vigilance going forward is vital to making sure Oceanport is protected as redevelopment progresses.

The recent Hanson Commission Report seems to suggest that Atlantic City casinos are more important to our State then horse racing.  As host town to Monmouth Park, Oceanport couldn’t disagree more.  The Commission seems to totally disregard the benefits that horse racing brings to New Jersey; such as 7,000 jobs, $110 million in federal, state and local taxes, and 57,000 acres of working agricultural landscape and open space.  

A study done by Christiansen Capital Advisors, commissioned by the New Jersey Department of Treasury at a cost of $100,000, recommended the installation of slot machines at the Meadowlands. The reports stated that 5,000 machines at the Meadowlands would produce $750 million annually and that 10,000 machines would produce $1.5 billion annually. The same study suggested that 2,100 slots at the Meadowlands would reduce Atlantic City gross gaming revenue by a mere .01 percent and perhaps save live racing at Monmouth Park.  Why were this study, and its results ignored?  

Clearly, we need to remain involved and active in both matters as we head though 2011.  I know that with Mayor Mahon’s leadership and the active role our Council has taken on both matters, Oceanport is in good hands!

In closing, I would like everyone to remember our troops who are serving overseas.  We are able to enjoy our many freedoms because of their willingness to serve.

Thank you and Happy New Year!

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Governor Chris Christie Vetoes Establishment of Full Racing Schedule for Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands

Governor’s Action Necessary Pending Legislative Resolution on Horse Racing Recommendations

Trenton, NJ – Governor Chris Christie today vetoed the New Jersey Racing Commission’s establishment of a full standardbred and thoroughbred racing schedule for Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands, as the Administration continues its review of recommendations to end annual taxpayer subsidies for the horse racing industry and make it self-sustaining.

The Racing Commission’s action at its November 10 meeting establishing a full race schedule for 2011 conflicts with the primary recommendation contained in a supplemental report under review by the Administration to substantially reduce the number of live racing days at Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands Racetrack for next year. At the November 10 meeting, the Racing Commission approved a request from the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority to establish the full race meeting schedule for next year.

Governor Christie’s veto is not critical of the Commission or the NJSEA for doing what is currently statutorily required, as the Administration is considering scaled-down race meets among possible solutions for making the horse racing industry self-sustaining. The Governor’s veto was necessary pending a legislative resolution on horse racing recommendations and solutions.

“While the recommendation is being reviewed, it would be inappropriate to approve the NJSEA’s request to race 141 Thoroughbred races dates at Monmouth Park and 141 Standardbred races dates at the Meadowlands Racetrack particularly in light of the taxpayer subsidies required to sustain such a lengthy race calendar,” Governor Christie said in his veto letter, dated today.

“An appropriate solution for the state-owned racetracks, which does not unduly burden the taxpayers of this State, must be reached before a schedule for the 2011 racing season can be approved,” the Governor wrote.

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Hanson Report: No Benefit for Monmouth Park, Horse Owners, Race Fans

By Joe Irace

The latest version of The Hanson Commission’s Report on gaming does nothing for the long term benefit of Oceanport and/or Monmouth Park and puts the Standardbred and Thoroughbred owners and trainers at odds with each other.  The report calls for bringing Harness Racing to Monmouth Park to run at night in the winter months.  The estimated costs to the State of New Jersey for the winterization of part of the grandstand, changing track surfaces and reconfiguring some of the barns for Standardbred Horses is $4.6 million.  Winter harness racing would necessitate the installation of lights at our “historic” track right in center of a residential neighborhood.  While we as a Council would love to do whatever it takes to protect Monmouth Park and help it not only survive, but thrive, this Commission’s proposed plan ignores the most obvious socially and fiscally responsible solution: allowing for the installation of video lottery terminals, slot machines or a gaming casino at the Meadowlands.

Both the Standardbred owners and the thoroughbred owners are united in their opposition to a dual meet at Monmouth.  The Standardbred owners have perhaps the best track in the country, at the Meadowlands, located in an industrial area off of Route 3, 7 miles from midtown Manhattan.  It is foolhardy to expect their loyal patrons to travel 1 hour South of East Rutherford to Oceanport to enjoy Harness Racing when Yonkers Raceway, 30 minutes away from East Rutherford, offers the same product AND a casino.  The thoroughbred owners have enjoyed Monmouth Park for years and would much rather race on the surface that currently exists. Let’s not forget that   the two most interested parties, the horsemen and the general public, are clamoring for a racino at the Meadowlands facility, the Commission dismisses the idea out of hand in favor of a proposal that provides neither party with what it wants.

Two reports by Christiansen Capital Advisors, commissioned by the New Jersey Department of Treasury, recommended the installation of slot machines at the Meadowlands. The reports stated that 5,000 machines at the Meadowlands would produce $750 million annually and that 10,000 machines would produce $1.5 billion annually. The same study suggested that 2,100 slots at the Meadowlands would reduce Atlantic City gross gaming revenue by a mere .01 percent.

Senator Sean Kean recently said on the New Jersey Senate floor “if it (a Racino at the Meadowlands) were put to a vote we’d probably get a majority, if not a super-majority (in support), to save horse racing in the state of New Jersey.”  Despite the overwhelming financial benefits flowing from such an arrangement, the Hanson Report summarily dismisses the installation of Video Lottery Terminals, slot machines or a gaming casino in the Meadowlands.

Chairman Hanson, through his Commission, which, interestingly, includes no horsemen, refuses to acknowledge the viability of the racino model and, instead, continues to dump on our horse racing industry and the 7,000 jobs, $110 million in federal, state and local taxes, and 57,000 acres of working agricultural landscape which come along with it. Racinos around the country employ nearly 30,000 people. Bringing racinos to New Jersey will create thousands of new jobs. Additionally, it will solidify many jobs that may be in danger of leaving our state in favour of states that have already authorized racino legislation. Racinos are a proven model that states around the country are turning to for gaming. Twelve states have already implemented racinos and many more are debating proposals to allow them in the near future. In 2009, racinos around the country generated $2.6 billion dollars in tax revenue for state and local governments. Additionally, they strengthen the state’s agricultural industry. Racinos allow existing racetracks to grow their purses, spurring new investments in breeding racehorse ownership throughout the state. Additional racehorses will create more jobs and improve the overall economic impact. As Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York and the nine other racino states can attest – racinos improve the rural economy.

Racinos that have reinvested their windfalls into racing, such as Sunland Park in New Mexico which hosts the Grade 3 Sunland Park Derby, which Mine That Bird used as a launching pad to his Kentucky Derby victory, and Prairie Meadows in Iowa, which hosts the Iowa Festival of Racing, with three graded stakes that attracted full fields of competitive, quality horses in 2010 are just two examples of the proven business model.

Let’s do everything we can to get this matter to a vote of the New Jersey legislature as soon as possible!

Joe Irace is the Council President of Oceanport, NJ

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