On Wednesday, June 28, during a special legislative session, the New York State Assembly passed a relief measure in regard to the current uncertainty of Vernon Downs. On Thursday, June 29, Vernon’s Jeff Gural took the opportunity to comment on the situation.
“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of all of my employees, the many local businesses that rely on Vernon and me personally to thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for his support yesterday and today in getting the legislation we needed that would allow us to remain open,” Gural said.
“A special thank you to Senator Joe Griffo, who worked tirelessly in this effort and the Mohawk Nine, whose bipartisan support yesterday also made a difference. In the Assembly my thanks going out to Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi, who also worked extremely hard, along with Assemblyman Bill Magee and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo from Binghamton.”
Gural went on to say, “Thanks to this legislation we will not only continue to employ 300 people but will continue to provide education with between $11 million and $12 million annually and continue to pay $2 million in local taxes to the local communities.”
He said that he remains committed to maintaining Vernon Downs as a “local Mom and Pop-type casino” with horse racing, an affordable hotel and a great place to host weddings and meetings (at the event centre). Gural also said that hearing the legislative news was a great way to begin the summer season and the upcoming holiday.
“We expect to continue to give back to the local community as we have in the past,” said Gural. “For those of you in the area tomorrow, we are hosting our annual charity concert featuring 38 Special. As always, all of the ticket sales, plus an additional $10 for every ticket sold and 50 cents for every dollar raised by Food Bank of Central New York at the door will be donated to the Food Bank of Central New York. On Saturday after the races we will be having our annual fireworks display. Thanks again to everyone who insured the future of Vernon Downs.”
(With files from Vernon Downs)