Millstone supports having slots at state's racetracks
Mayor asks neighboring towns to engage in ongoing debate
BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer

MILLSTONE - A resolution supporting the installation of slot machines and video lottery terminals (VLTs) at the state's racetracks to help the horse industry unanimously passed at the Nov. 7 Township Committee meeting.

The township will send copies of the resolution to Gov. Jon Corzine and other legislators.

Mayor Nancy Grbelja, who owns standardbred racehorses, said the recent Breeders' Cup at Monmouth Park in Oceanport focused a lot of attention on New Jersey's equine industry. She explained that racing purses in the state have historically been subsidized by Atlantic City casinos, but those subsidies will terminate Dec. 31.

The casinos oppose the implementation of slots at the state's racetracks, and "racinos" with higher purses in surrounding states have been drawing New Jersey horsemen and threatening the foundation of New Jersey's equine industry, according to Grbelja.

The mayor said she has spoken with Manalapan Mayor Andrew Lucas and Upper Freehold Committeeman Stephen Alexander about asking their towns to endorse similar resolutions.

Millstone's resolution states that New Jersey houses approximately 42,000 horses and 7,200 equine operations with more than $4 billion in equine-related assets. The resolution notes the roles of the horse across the state in sports, recreation, youth development, therapy for the handicapped, and the rehabilitation of troubled adults and children.

The resolution recognizes that researchers have estimated the impact of the equine industry on the state's economy, both directly and indirectly, at $1.1 billion annually, with more than $160 million paid toward federal, state and local taxes and 13,000 people employed.

The resolution also notes the equine industry's impact on open space and agriculture.

"The equine industry's impact on traditional agriculture utilizes at least 20 percent of the state's agricultural acres and encourages the preservation and maintenance of open space and farmland, thereby significantly improving the quality of life within our state and community," the resolution states.

It further states that the equine industry depends on a strong and viable racing industry that directly and indirectly supports all aspects of the horse world, including but not limited to boarding and training facilities, hay and feed production, professional and amateur show competitions, youth organizations such as 4-H, and pleasure riding.

According to the resolution, the installation of slot machines and VLTs at neighboring racetracks in New York and Pennsylvania and their pending installation in Delaware and Maryland have made racing far more attractive and lucrative for horsemen in those states, thereby jeopardizing New Jersey's equine industry.

"As the residents of Millstone Township enjoy every aspect the horse industry has to offer - both racing and nonracing - and an improved quality of life, we are deeply committed to promoting and protecting the integrity of the equine industry," according to the resolution.

The resolution urges legislators to support the installation of VLTs at New Jersey racetracks and ensure that the New Jersey Casino Control Commission subsidizes at least $45 million annually so New Jersey racetracks can compete with those in surrounding states.

According to the resolution, "Not only is a healthy racing industry necessary to support the equine industry, but it is also crucial to keep our state green with preserved open space and farmland."

The resolution states, "Let's keep the horse our state's animal, and our state - the Garden State - green."