Vernon Downs News
Vernon Downs Reopens February 14th
VERNON, N.Y., Feb. 13 PRNewswire — Late last night state legislators hammered out the final details of the NYRA legislation which will keep three key New York thoroughbred racetracks, namely, Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct, open for years to come. Included in that legislation was much needed tax- relief for the eight racinos in New York.
Based on that information, Jeff Gural, principal owner of Vernon Downs and Tioga Downs, in a conference call to Vernon Downs management this morning, instructed them to open Vernon Downs for gaming and simulcast racing on Thursday, February 14, which is ironically, Valentine's Day.
"This is wonderful news for Vernon Downs employees and guests," said Gural from his Manhattan office today. "There are many state legislators to thank for this very positive outcome. Assemblyperson RoAnn Destito and State Senator Joe Griffo worked tirelessly on behalf of Vernon Downs to push through this legislation. They were also concerned for the well-being of the Vernon Downs employees when they stressed that I should compensate our employees for the days of work they missed. I agreed wholeheartedly and this will happen," Gural added.
Gural also thanked legislative leaders Senator Joe Bruno, Assemblyman Sheldon Silver, and Governor Spitzer for their continuous work toward finalizing the legislation. Assemblyman Bill MaGee was instrumental in introducing the original legislation that paved the way for Vernon Downs' new financial viability. U.S. Representative Michael Arcuri and local officials, Assemblyman David Townsend, Jr., Oneida County Legislator Mike Hennessy, Town of Vernon Supervisor, Myron Thurston, and Village of Vernon Mayor, Bill Sreca, have continuously supported Vernon Downs in its efforts to remain a strong and viable employer in the area.
On Thursday, February 14th, Vernon Downs management and employees will welcome guests at the gaming facility once again after the brief three day shutdown.
According to Gural, "This was the last thing (closing) I wanted to do to our employees and our guests who have been so supportive since we opened in 2006, but it had to be done to move the legislative process along. I guess it worked. Now we will put this behind us and move forward with plans for expansion at the property and look forward to racing beginning in April."
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