by Jack Ginnetti
Marlborough, MA — Recently I got the notion of going one on one with Plainridge COO Gary Piontkowski. I had my questions ready and was ready to go. But little did I know what lied ahead.
Question: What sparked your interest in this sport?
Phone rings and Gary answers.
Answer: My dad took me to the Northhampton Fair when I was five and horses facinated me.
Phone rings again. A family matter. I’m ready to proceed but another call needs his attention.
Finally I proceeded to ask my second question, concerning pursuit of a slot or Class II license, seeking the approval of Plainville residents and filing the request with the state’s casino commission.
But wait. Another phone call needs Gary’s attention.
After that call we both looked at each other and I said, “Another time, Gary.” We both agreed.
No sooner had I said that when the phone rang again and Gary was once again in his usual post, answering his office calls and turning around on his chair to check computer info.
But before I left I managed to get this comment.
“After 14 years this has been my home. Our payroll is $3.2 million and $8.7 million has been paid to the town of Plainville in taxes and a percentage of the track’s handle since 1999.”
Currently Piontkowski and his staff are busy preparing for the April 21 return of harness racing at the state’s only harness track.
Concerning what would happen to harnes racing if the track does not gain a Class II (slot) license, he said, “We will address that issue if it arises and assess the property’s highest and best use.”
I left that day realizing that running a racetrack is dealing with situations on an ongoing basis. Piontkowski’s focus has always been striving for excellence in harness racing.
All of which brings me to this: The next time I’m thinking of going one on one with someone I think I’ll think twice.