The time has arrived for the state of New Jersey to sell, lease or close Monmouth Park racetrack in Oceanport. How many more millions of taxpayers’ dollars have to be pumped into the state’s political pit? During the 2011 Monmouth Park racing meet, the state of New Jersey lost in excess of $6.6 million taxpayers’ dollars, and Monmouth’s 2011 racing meet was on pace to lose even more.
The figures related to losses for 2011 have not been revealed. It’s no coincidence the Monmouth County politicians kept the figure out of the public’s knowledge until after the November elections. After the elections, the leasing deal with Morris Bailey fell apart. One issue Bailey cited was that he was to assume the costs of Monmouth Park’s overruns, and rightfully so. So here is another issue: what are Monmouth Park’s overruns the state has kept from public disclosure?
New Jersey state Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-12) reported that she has maintained a “large” role in Monmouth Park negotiations between Monmouth Park and Morris Bailey. If this is the best she can accomplish, maybe it’s time for her to withdraw from any future endeavors involving Monmouth Park. The Asbury Park Press reported Dec. 12, 2011, that the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority has signed a 31-year lease with Jeffrey Gural to run the Meadowlands Racetrack, which is great news for New Jersey taxpayers. Possibly, Monmouth County politicians should take some lessons from Bergen County politicians. Why does the state of New Jersey have a future need for NJSEA? If Monmouth Park and Meadowlands Racetrack are to be operated independently, there is no need for political cronies to administer NJSEA. Sen. Beck has previously stated, one job and one paycheck for public officials. How many executives employed at NJSEA are collecting a pension check from the state of New Jersey? Give the taxpayers a break.
Thomas Lowe
Long Branch