The VLT revenue issue is one that has been around for several years now. When a complicated and discriminatory poverty formula excluded Saratoga Springs along with Saratoga County from the funding, all local politicians steadfastly argued on your behalf that the State of New York should distribute VLT revenue back to our city.  As your representative at the County, I worked diligently to ensure our concerns were heard.

As Chair of the County’s Racing committee for 2009 and 2010, the VLT issue was a top priority for myself and the Committee.  As the Chair of the Legislative & Research committee this year, we made the VLT issue number one on our list of issues affecting the County at the State level.  Knowing that decisions on VLT funding were in others’ hands, the County passed three resolutions, by unanimous vote, urging the State to maintain the VLT distribution to Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County. 

I want to thank my fellow County Supervisors for backing the City of Saratoga Springs in our fight to get the VLT monies back to our community.  None of the revenue stream will go to any of their towns directly, but I am glad that they saw the importance of supporting the City’s fight for revenue that help offset our costs for hosting a VLT facility.

Even though our calls for action were not heard early on, with a new Governor and State Legislature, we were finally recognized, and the VLT distribution to Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County has now been approved in the State budget.  Without the hard work of Senators Farley and McDonald, the lobbying efforts of Assemblyman Tedisco, along with a Governor willing to listen to our concerns and to compromise, this agreement on VLT revenue could never have been reached.  Work must continue to preserve this revenue stream for years to come.

Looking ahead, we need to make sure we prudently spend the money on necessary projects now, and save what is left over to build up a fund for major projects down the road. The City will find ways to use the money to offset the costs of hosting a gaming facility within its borders and to offset tax increases on City residents.  The County will use its share to also offset County Sheriff’s costs associated with the facility, and to do any necessary road repairs to Crescent Avenue, which is County Route 22. 

We as your elected leaders have spoken with one voice on this issue.  I am proud to have played a small role in a much larger accomplishment.  It shows that when we as your leaders work together, we can get things done for our community.  I am committed serving your interests, and will continue to work hard to represent you the best way I can as your Supervisor at the County level.