by Chip Hastings, the United States Trotting Association

Columbus, OH — On Saturday (Dec. 12) the annual USTA District 9 membership meeting was held at Plainridge Park Casino.

District directors present were Don Marean, chairman, George Ducharme, Fred Nichols, Steve O’Toole and Dr. Tim Powers. Marean was unopposed and re-elected to another three-year term as a membership director. Nichols was also re-elected to another three-year term as a track director. Marean was also re-elected as district chairman.

There were 50 people in attendance.

USTA director of regulatory affairs, Kent “Chip” Hastings, led the discussion on the 13 rule change proposals that will be voted on by the full board of directors at the 2016 annual meeting at the end of February. The following action was taken:

Proposal #1 – Approved
Proposal #2 – Approved
Proposal #3 – Rejected
Proposal #4 – Approved
Proposal #5 – Rejected
Proposal #6 – Rejected
Proposal #7 – Amended to 60 days
Proposal #8 – Rejected
Proposal #9 – Rejected
Proposal #10 – Approved
Proposal #11 – Approved
Proposal #12 – Approved
Proposal #13 – Rejected

During the joint USTA District 9, Harness Horsemen’s Association and Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts banquet, USTA Director Emeritus Paul Fontaine was given a set of gold cuff links by the directors of District 9 for his many years of service to the USTA and Standardbred industry.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Massachusetts Gaming Commissioner Gayle Cameron who addressed the 200-plus attendees on the state of racing.

More than 20 other recognition awards were given by the various industry groups within the state.