by Alan Schwartz, president, Monticello Harness Horsemen’s Assn.

Monticello, NY — The Monticello Harness Horsemen’s Association have announced unequivocal opposition to the proposed Stockbridge-Munsee casino unveiled last month and joined a growing coalition of those opposed to this wrongheaded proposal.

This agreement — which was negotiated in secret by an outgoing Administration with an out-of-state tribe that has no connection to our communities — is clearly not in the long-term interest of New York State and will have a disastrous effect on racing and agriculture throughout the region.

Along with providing hundreds of millions of desperately needed dollars for New York’s schools, video lottery terminals at NYS racinos such as Monticello have also generated a significant harness racing renaissance across the state. Our agriculture and breeding industries have experienced unprecedented gains in recent years, and this ill-advised Stockbridge-Munsee agreement will put all of these proven gains generated by Monticello Raceway at immediate risk.

Once again, the Monticello Harness Horsemen’s Association strongly opposes this agreement and the lose-lose-lose scenario it represents for harness racing, education and the residents of New York State.