Friday, February 26, 2010
Governor Learns Exactly How Corrupt New York Machine Is
Top Public Safety Aide Quits Paterson Cabinet
The New York Law Journal by Joel Stashenko - February 26, 2010

ALBANY, NY - Denise O'Donnell resigned yesterday as Governor David A. Paterson's deputy secretary for public safety, saying she had been kept in the dark about the possible intervention of New York State Police personnel on behalf of a close aide to Mr. Paterson who had been accused of domestic violence. "I regret to inform you that recent events make it impossible for me, in good conscience, to remain a member of your Administration," Ms. O'Donnell, 62, wrote to the governor in a brief letter. "Please accept my resignation, effective immediately." Ms. O'Donnell said in a statement that she had not known about the involvement of the state police, one of the agencies she supervised, until Wednesday night after The New York Times reported that the alleged domestic violence victim had complained that the troopers had harassed her in an effort to persuade her to drop her bid for an order of protection in Bronx Family Court against David W. Johnson, Mr. Paterson's aide. The Times also reported that Mr. Paterson had talked with the woman just before she was due to return to court for a final order. She did not show up for the scheduled appearance, and her request was dismissed without prejudice. "The fact that the governor and members of the State Police have acknowledged direct contact with a woman who had filed for an order of protection against a senior member of the governor's staff is a very serious matter," Ms. O'Donnell said in a statement. "These actions are unacceptable regardless of their intent."

Ms. O'Donnell said that she had been informed in January by State Police Superintendent Harry Corbitt that a senior administrative aide had been involved months earlier in a violent incident with his girlfriend. However, she said that Mr. Corbitt had assured her the matter would be handled by local police and the state police would stay out of it. Ms. O'Donnell, a former U.S. attorney for the Western District and one-time candidate for state attorney general, said, "It is particularly distressing that this could happen in an administration that prides itself on its record of combating domestic violence. The behavior alleged here is the antithesis of what many of us have spent our entire careers working to build—a legal system that protects victims of domestic violence and brings offenders to justice." Mr. Paterson has denied any wrongdoing in the scandal. While he acknowledges that he talked to Mr. Johnson's girlfriend, he insisted that she had called him to reassure the governor that she was not the source of rumors about his private life, according to the Times. Lawrence B. Safler, the lawyer for the woman, whom the Associated Press identified as Sherruna Booker, 40, disputes both claims. He said she was called by an intermediary, who said the governor wanted to talk to her, which she did.

Mr. Paterson suspended Mr. Johnson without pay and requested an investigation by the state police and Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, a probable rival in this year's campaign for governor. Mr. Cuomo issued a brief statement yesterday in which he said his office is "proceeding to determine if criminal or other wrongdoing is involved" in the matter. The New York Post reported on its blog that Mr. Cuomo had asked the state police to "stand down" from looking into the Johnson matter because of the agency's possible involvement. The state police said that it would not comment on any aspect of the investigation; Mr. Paterson's office had no immediate comment on Ms. O'Donnell's resignation. In an appearance earlier in the day on a New York City radio station, Mr. Paterson said he had turned the Johnson matter over to Mr. Cuomo and did not care to comment. Mr. Johnson, 37, started as an intern for Mr. Paterson when the future governor was a state senator. Mr. Johnson, who had risen to become one of the most senior and influential aides to the governor, was earning $132,000 a year as director of executive services when he was suspended.

Growing Influence Cut Short

Ms. O'Donnell had steadily gathered titles and influence over law enforcement matters during her three-plus years within state government. Appointed by former Governor Eliot Spitzer as commissioner of Criminal Justice Services, she headed an agency that largely collected crime statistics, coordinated law enforcement efforts between agencies and helped apply for crime-fighting grants. But in July 2007, Ms. O'Donnell was named by Mr. Spitzer as assistant secretary for criminal justice amid an earlier scandal in which then-state police superintendent Preston L. Felton was accused of using state police personnel to improperly compile the travel records of Mr. Spitzer's bitter political rival, Senator Joseph L. Bruno. At that time, Mr. Spitzer said, "It is critical that we take immediate and direct action to restore public confidence in one of our most important government functions" by giving Ms. O'Donnell supervisory duties over the state police (NYLJ, July 26, 2007). Elevated to deputy secretary for public safety when Michael Balboni resigned in January 2009, Ms. O'Donnell also was given supervisory control over 13 other law enforcement and criminal justice agencies in addition to the state police. They included the Department of Correctional Services, the Division of Parole and the Office of Homeland Security. She also was called upon by Mr. Paterson for crisis management, helping direct the state's response to the February 2009 commuter airplane crash near Buffalo in which 50 people were killed, and the April 2009 shooting rampage at a Binghamton immigration center that left 14 dead. She headed several commissions or study groups, including the Commission on Sentencing Reform, which recommended simplifying the state's patchwork of criminal codes. She earned high marks from families of prison inmates for being willing to discuss with them face-to-face their frustrations at state parole board policies that seemed to consign some inmates to perpetually being denied their release by parole boards, despite their often excellent programming and rehabilitation records while behind bars. Ms. O'Donnell earned a salary of $165,000. She maintained her campaign committee following her unsuccessful run for the 2006 Democratic nomination for attorney general against Mr. Cuomo. According to the fund's January 2010 filing with the state Board of Elections, Ms. O'Donnell had $346,650 in hand, well below other potential Democratic attorney general hopefuls who have said they would run if Mr. Cuomo takes on Mr. Paterson for governor (NYLJ, Jan. 19). Mr. Paterson brought Mr. Corbitt out of retirement in 2008 to fill the opening originally created by the retirement of Mr. Felton. Mr. Felton was ultimately fined $10,000 by the state Commission on Public Integrity for violating Public Officers Law in allowing state police personnel to be used to discredit Mr. Bruno. Mr. Corbitt had been a 25-year veteran of the state police when he retired in 2004, working his way up from trooper to deputy superintendent. Most recently, he had been in charge of security at Albany High School.

Calls to Quit Campaign

With Ms. O'Donnell's resignation, calls for Mr. Paterson to end his candidacy for a full term rose in volume. "That's a very serious blow," Senator Bill Perkins, a Democrat who represents the Harlem district Mr. Paterson once served as senator, said of Ms. O'Donnell's departure. "She has been loyal, so the Cabinet, so to speak, is falling apart." Mr. Paterson was lieutenant governor in March 2008 when Mr. Spitzer resigned amid a prostitution scandal. "What we are learning is unacceptable, and the viability of (Mr. Paterson's) candidacy is obviously crippling," Mr. Perkins told The Associated Press, calling the reports "very, very serious allegations." "I obviously am torn in terms of having to take the position I am taking," Mr. Perkins said. "I have known him for over 20 years." Representative Steve Israel, a fellow Democrat and longtime congressional member from Long Island, said it is time for friends to be straight with Mr. Paterson. "I think it's become apparent that he should not seek election and should announce it soon," Mr. Israel said. "And sometimes friends have to speak unpleasant truths."

Statement from Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Denise E. O'Donnell

The fact that the Governor and members of the State Police have acknowledged direct contact with a woman who had filed for an order of protection against a senior member of the Governor's staff is a very serious matter. These actions are unacceptable regardless of their intent. It is particularly distressing that this could happen in an Administration that prides itself on its record of combating domestic violence. The behavior alleged here is the antithesis of what many of us have spent our entire careers working to build – a legal system that protects victims of domestic violence and brings offenders to justice.In early January, following a breakfast meeting on another subject, State Police Superintendent Harry Corbitt informed me that a senior Administration staff member had been involved in an incident months earlier where a Domestic Incident Report was filed. Superintendent Corbitt told me the staff member had an argument with his girlfriend, that a Domestic Incident Report had been filed, but that there was no arrest and that the matter was being handled as a local police matter by the New York Police Department. My immediate concern was what role the State Police would take in the investigation and I was assured by Superintendent Corbitt that the State Police were not involved. It was only last night when I learned from press reports the contrary details, including the involvement of the State Police. For these reasons, I am resigning my position as Commissioner of the Division of Criminal Justice Services and Deputy Secretary of Public Safety effective today.

Denise E. O'Donnell, 62

Legal Experience: New York State Deputy Secretary for Public Safety, since 2009; Commissioner, Division of Criminal Justice Services, since 2007; Partner, Hodgson Russ, 2001-2007; U.S. attorney for the Western District, 1997-2001 (the nation's first woman U.S. attorney);Assistant U.S. attorney, Western District, 1985-1997
Other: Democratic primary candidate, New York attorney general, 2006
Education: J.D., Buffalo Law School, 1982; M.S.W., State University at Buffalo; B.A., Canisius College
Personal: Born in Buffalo; married to Supreme Court Justice John F. O'Donnell; two children
Joel Stashenko can be reached at jstashenko@alm.com.

Posted by Corrupt Courts Administrator at 8:40 AM

11 comments:
hang in there dave said...
I hope Paterson hangs in there. He is one of the few who has taken on corruption. And that's why the power scum is going after him like they are. Looks like this man/woman who resigned wants to be the AG, and of course Cuomo has probably already made a deal with her. If Paterson resigns, I urge all fellow democrats to vote independent/republican/communist/circus clown-- as long as the corrupt machine is brought down. Sorry, Andrew, you're part of the corrupt machine. If Dave backs out then he's not our person to stand up against the corruption. But I still believe in Paterson. Who else has gone after the widespread corruption in NY. (Yes, Dave, there are a lot of people around you with BAD intentions....)

February 26, 2010 8:59 AM
Anonymous said...
agree that this all looks like an orchestrated play act just like the spitzer bruno affair and looks motivated by those either already corrupt or looking for personal power. that doesn't excuse whatever happened with johnson but this looks way too orchestrated so far.

February 26, 2010 9:20 AM
Anonymous said...
Hey Dave Paterson,
Have I got a case for you, friends of Judge O"Donnell
It includes stalking with intent to harm, False Arrests, Witch Hunts and Police Brutality & Harassment, falsifying medical records, police records, court records.......
The list goes on and on.......

My felony complaints are at the Attorney Grievance!

February 26, 2010 9:27 AM
Anonymous said...
bite me Napolean!

February 26, 2010 9:30 AM
Anonymous said...
Dave all you have to do is subpeona my complaints and then talk to me, I am being stalked by a sick crew doing everything in their power to harm me......
IT WILL PROVE THEIR INSANITY!
MAYBE WE CAN CHANGE THIS STATE, since the last female this was done to committed suicide!

Karen M Summers

February 26, 2010 9:33 AM
Anonymous said...
As reported by BEN Ton Precious

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, appeared to throw cold water on judges hoping for a quick pay hike. He said the decision “recognizes that the Legislature retains the constitutional and statutory power to determine judicial compensation.”

He added, “The Assembly will consider this matter when economic conditions improve.”

The Senate’s top Democrat, Brooklyn’s John Sampson, echoed Silver’s fiscal concerns

Let us change our Senate, our Corrupt Court System
WE WANT JOE'S LAW!
NO CONSULTING FEES FOR YOU!

SIGN A PROPER ETHICS BILL!

February 26, 2010 9:38 AM
Anonymous said...
The upstate blogs consider Denise O'Donnell's resignation as suspicious...as some have said....'so when things get a little tough....she chooses the course to get going?' What kind of in charge person is that...too agenda ridden and weak....her resignation appears to be no big deal way up here.
I personally called her office in 2009 explaining that I had possession of an altered criminal history report...picture overlapped on top of another picture with skin darkened 50%, criminal felony charges added to a misd rap sheet , and the ethnicity of the deft was changed from middle eastern to...black...and Denise could have cared less...did no investigation...all while knowing this document will be part of a federal lawsuit and the possessor's experience in reading NYSIID'S(rap sheet)... is expert.
Denise resigned...I believe as a pressure jab to get Paterson to move out now or shutdown any momentum he may garner with his bold moves on Albany government.
Paterson was just in Buffalo this past Saturday..to announce his run for Governor...so the wheels went into motion quickly to destroy him here...as we see Albany as a long time hindrance to any kind of good and decent citizen governemnt for years and years.
Who cares if Denise leaves...she runs for everything....everywhere for years and loses.
Her best bet is to stay in town here and take her idiot husband.... the bloated judge O'Donnell....and teach him ethics and manners...the rudest and most fringe corrupt loser...that people in WNY, just keep voting in.
This story is really a non-story!
Stay with your run ...Paterson....you are being considered a lot in upstate.

February 26, 2010 10:15 AM
Anonymous said...
One of the Spitzer's rats jumped from Paterson's ship to join the rats on Cuomo's scow. Is there honor among rats; will Cuomo reward this rat? Can Cuomo trust her as Paterson did? Cuomo follows the proud tradition of Spitzer with the same rats. Hey, Dave, why not go after the big rats and direct Cuomo to convene a grand jury to indict Chief Judge Lippman and Judge Ramos for corruption reported here.

February 26, 2010 10:16 AM
T Finnan said...
Dear Gov. Paterson: You have the power under NY Constitution to have the Senate remove surrogate judges on your recommendation as per NY Constitution § 23. b. Judges of the court of claims, the county court, the surrogate's court, the family court, the courts for the city of New York established pursuant to section fifteen of this article, the district court and such other courts as the legislature may determine may be removed by the senate, on the recommendation of the governor, if two-thirds of all the members elected to the senate concur therein.

I've previously described the corruption of Surrogate Judge Kevin K. Ryan and filed a sworn criminal complaint with AG Cuomo, long ago. It's time to stand up for me and others harmed by Surrogate Judges as reported on this site and force the NY senators to act against corruption. Show the People you will act when Cuomo fails.
I'm sure that several others with complaints against Surrogate Judges on this site will add their complaints to mine by the beginning of next week.
Terence Finnan

February 26, 2010 11:02 AM
Anonymous said...
O'Donnell's son is a political consultant and the daughter sucked up an ADA'S position right out of law school...and this entire O'Donnell clan has a serious connection to Steve Pigeon...remember the one who ochestrated the Albany overthrow last year?
So now that Pigeon has a grand job in Albany because of that overthrow...and Denise's gross husband won his judicial election last year...it seems Denise believes that she has something coming her way.
Watch this woman and her moves in the next few weeks...don't vote for her in anything...the family is a crusty mess of miserable politics.

February 26, 2010 11:22 AM

Denise O'Donnell is an attorney and Democratic politician from Buffalo, New York. She most recently served as New York State Commissioner of Criminal Justice Services and Assistant Secretary to the Governor for Criminal Justice in the Cabinet of Gov. David Paterson. She previously held the roles in the Cabinet of former Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

She was a candidate in the 2006 Democratic primary for New York State Attorney General. O'Donnell attended high school at Mt. St. Joseph Academy, and then studied at Canisius College--both schools are located in Buffalo. Hers was the first graduating class from Canisius to include women. After graduating from college she worked for the New York City Department of Social Services. While doing so, she earned a Masters Degree in Social Work. After the birth of her two children, O'Donnell earned a Doctorate of Jurisprudence at the University at Buffalo Law School, graduating second in her class.

In 1985, she became an Assistant United States Attorney. In 1998, President Bill Clinton appointed her the US Attorney for the Western District of New York. While working for the US Attorney's office she worked on two particularly prominent cases. The first was the investigation into Oklahoma City bomber and Pendleton, NY native Timothy McVeigh. She was also the leader in the successful prosecution of anti-abortion extremist James Kopp for the murder of obstratician and abortion provider Barnett Slepian. She was pushed out of her position as US attorney by the Bush administration before her term had ended. Many speculate that this was because the Bush administration was displeased with her efforts in prosecuting Kopp.

Since 2001, she has practiced with the firm Hodgson Russ LLP, has lectured and campaigned for the Attorney General's office. In late 2005, former United States Attorney General Janet Reno announced her support for O'Donnell's campaign. She dropped out of the race for AG shortly after the Democratic convention where she received approximately ten-percent of the delegates' votes. In the announcement ending her candidacy she neglected to endorse any specific candidate for the Democratic nomination but, instead, emphasised her desire to see Eliot Spitzer elected governor.

Spitzer announced her appointment as Criminal Justice Commissioner in January 2007. The New York State Senate unanimously confirmed O'Donnell to the post March 21, 2007. [1] As Criminal Justice Commissioner, O'Donnell oversaw the planning and analysis of criminal justice policies and services for state government.

She was appointed Assistant Secretary to the Governor for Criminal Justice on July 25, 2007 by Spitzer in the wake of a report by State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo regarding the use of the State Police by Spitzer's staff to monitor the activities of Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno. As Assistant Secretary, she served as the Governor's top criminal justice advisor and oversaw the State Police, Division of Parole and the Department of Corrections. She also assisted in the development of statewide criminal justice and public safety policies and worked on homeland security efforts for the state.

Governor Paterson retained O'Donnell in his cabinet following his taking office on March 17, 2008.

O'Donnell resigned from the Paterson administration on February 25, 2010, following reports of alleged misconduct by Paterson and members of his administration. Paterson and the State Police were accused of improperly contacting the alleged victim of domestic abuse committed by David W. Johnson, a top aide to the governor. In her resignation, O'Donnell called "(such) actions unacceptable regardless of their intent," and said that the conduct was "particularly distressing" in an administration "that prides itself on its record of combating domestic violence."

She is married to John O'Donnell, a New York State Supreme Court Justice. Her son, Jack, is active in Democratic campaigns- having managed Denise O'Donnell's run and having advised that of Senator Chuck Schumer in 1998. As of 2007 he ran a consulting firm known as O'Donnell and Associates.

O'Donnell is evidently connected, with Eliot Spitzer, to New York State's racing industry - Empire Racing Associates

Muckety Empire Racing Associates - Eliot Spitzer map

Magna, Churchill Withdraw From Empire Racing
by Tom Precious
Date Posted: 10/11/2007 7:44:50 AM
Last Updated: 10/11/2007 6:00:28 PM
link

A consortium of major horse industry companies vying for the Thoroughbred franchise in New York began falling apart Oct. 10, as Magna Entertainment and Churchill Downs announced their withdrawal from Empire Racing Associates. A third partner, Delaware North, was said to have followed suit, leaving Woodbine Entertainment as Empire's only remaining partner.

The pullout came hours after it was revealed Empire was in negotiations with Australian-based Capital Play to merge their bids for the franchise to run Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga racetracks.

In what could be a major boost for the New York Racing Association to retain its franchise, the Magna and Churchill withdrawal empties Empire of its leading horse racing corporations. Delaware North did not announce its reported withdrawal nor immediately return calls requesting confirmation.

Magna, in a statement, said Empire’s bid was rebuffed in two key stages of the bidding process over the past year, “and the process has progressed in a manner which MEC does not see leading to a successful outcome for Empire Racing.’’

Empire chief Jeff Perlee said the Spitzer administration said it did not recommend Empire for the bid in part because of possible antitrust and other concerns involving Magna and Churchill Downs. Perlee said Empire has a “duty’’ to listen to those concerns by Gov. Eliot Spitzer and said the changes to Empire's composition reflects those concerns. “This can only make us stronger going forward in the competition,’’ Perlee said.

Empire Racing Associates and Capital Play are in what one executive with knowledge of the groups described as “heavy talks” to merge their bids to compete against NYRA and Excelsior Racing Associates for the right to run racing in New York. “It’s a recognition there are synergies that together they can be stronger,” said an executive who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Spitzer recently recommended NYRA be awarded a 30-year franchise extension, a plan that has gotten a cold reception in the Republican-led Senate. Spitzer also wants the state to choose a company to run a video lottery terminal casino at Aqueduct and down the road possibly at Belmont.

The governor has clearly been less keen on Empire Racing and Capital Play, and the new talks among the two bidders appear to recognize that their best shot would be by combining forces. Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno has criticized Spitzer’s plan and said he believes other operators should have a role in the franchise.

Australian-based Capital Play also includes Mohegan Sun and Extell Development Co.

Word of a possible merger came as a Senate racing panel Oct. 10 held a hearing in Albany to take testimony from the bidders on the best business model for the franchise.

In the Senate hearing, NYRA officials were forced to defend the entity’s financial performance, stating what it has done with bailout money from state and its decision to award a no-bid, $125,000-per-month contract to Getnick & Getnick, a Manhattan law firm, to oversee an integrity program at the tracks.

“Don’t count (your) chickens before they are hatched,’’ Senate Racing Committee Chairman William Larkin told NYRA officials after they spoke of the support for the governor’s recommendation for another franchise extension for the group. Larkin also said he did not appreciate what he called “scare tactics’’ by NYRA that racing could end Dec. 31 if a franchise decision is not made by then.

But Charles Hayward, NYRA’s president, said it is beyond NYRA’s control whether racing continues after that date if Spitzer and lawmakers do not resolve the franchise issue by then. He said the judge overseeing NYRA’s bankruptcy proceeding might not agree that the state can step in through the oversight panel to continue racing, especially when the issue of who owns the tracks’ lands are in dispute.

He warned against a “slippery slope with a bad outcome that NYRA and the Legislature might not control.’’

For NYRA’s part, testimony was about building up the organization's bid and raising questions about the financial ability of some of their competitors, chiefly Magna Entertainment.

NYRA Chairman Steve Duncker said the NYRA model – calling for a not-for-profit to run racing – is the best approach because revenues will go to the state, racing operations and purses, and will not have to include shareholders if a for-profit venture wins the franchise.

Lawmakers also raised concerns about how the state’s off-track betting corporations will fit into the future of racing in New York. “They do 75% of the business and we treat them like stepchildren,’’ Larkin said.

Duncker said New York is unique among states in that NYRA faces competition from six in-state OTB corporations, something that wasn’t envisioned when the original NYRA franchise was awarded in 1955.

“If the OTB structure is fixed, NYRA will make money,’’ he said. But no plan has yet to address how OTBs fit into the picture.

One lawmaker, criticizing NYRA’s desire to speed up the bidding process, suggested a need for change in franchise operators. “Maybe like Steinbrenner says, maybe Joe Torre has to go,’’ said Sen. Thomas Libous, a Binghamton Republican.

“Why should we continue with you folks?’’ the lawmaker added.

But some Democrats have said the issue has been studied for more than a year and, like Spitzer, are pushing for resolution of the franchise question soon.

“I hope we move with some haste. I hope we’re not here to just play slow ball,’’ said racing committee member Sen. John Sabini, a Queens Democrat.

Excelsior Racing, whose partners include Las Vegas casino developer Steve Wynn, also appeared at the hearing, despite claims several weeks ago that Excelsior said it was dropping out of the bidding because plans to develop a casino at Belmont are stalled.

“We believe we can run racing in New York and we’ve got the people to do that,’’ said Richard Bronson, a California developer. He added, “Having said that, we also believe we can work with NYRA.’’

Critics of NYRA have long suspected that a deal has been in the works for months to give the racing portion of the franchise to NYRA and award casino and real estate components to Excelsior.

The groups brought out some equestrian stars to pitch their cases. Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey said the prospect of joining up with Excelsior was “like being offered Secretariat to ride; why would I go anywhere else?’’

A bit later, Capital Play showcased jockey-turned-breeder Steve Cauthen. “We need to take a new direction in New York,’’ he told lawmakers.

Later in the day, Marylou Whitney said she has resigned as honorary chairwoman of Empire Racing Associates. She said 14 months ago she was drawn to what had been a "unique colloboration' of top horseracing groups and horsemen. "Today, Empire Racing has evolved into an entity with a vastly different feel and look, one that I no longer recognize.'

Whitney did not endorse another specific group, but said it is time "for the brighest minds in the industry and in government to overcome the politically charged atmosphere that exists to do what is best for racing in New York.'

The day before the hearing, Capital Play wrote to a state government panel overseeing NYRA finances to say it could step in to run the NYRA franchise if no decision is made by Dec. 31. By law, the New York State Non-profit Racing Association Oversight Board can take over the franchise Jan. 1, 2008, if Spitzer and legislators do not agree on a new operator. It could then tap NYRA officials to keep running the tracks, or choose a replacement group on a temporary basis.

“Capital Play is ready to assist in that capacity,” Karl O’Farrell, president of Capital Play, wrote in a letter to Carole Stone, chairwoman of the oversight panel.

Empire Racing Names Members of 'Transition Team'
Date Posted: 5/11/2007 12:29:05 PM
Last Updated: 5/12/2007 3:50:38 PM
LINK

Empire Racing Associates has released the names of a nine-member team of racing-operations professionals, many from Churchill Downs Inc. and Magna Entertainment Corp., that will lead its racing transition team should Empire Racing be awarded the New York Thoroughbred racing franchise.

Empire Racing submitted its racing transition team to the state in response to an inquiry from Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s racing panel, which queried bidders during recent public hearings about the transfer of racing operations. Empire Racing’s proposal outlined a 90-day transition plan that would ensure continuity of racing operations, focus on track and facility safety, and implement new policies regarding integrity, transparency, and communication.

The franchise currently held by the New York Racing Association expires Dec. 31. NYRA is one of the bidders for the new franchise.

One of the immediate responsibilities of the team will be to begin planning for the installation of synthetic surfaces at racetracks.

“Our transition team was created through our unique access to experienced and accomplished racing industry leaders who are part of Empire’s organization,” Empire Racing chairman and New York horseman Jeffrey Tucker said. “It is critical to the horse owners, breeders, and trainers in New York and our industry nationally that we maintain racing continuity at all times.”

The transition team will be headed by Empire chief executive officer Jeff Perlee and will include the following racing executives:

Steve Sexton, president of Churchill Downs and executive vice president of CDI.

Christian Riegle, president and general manager of Delaware North-owned Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack.

George Haines, vice president and general manager of MEC-owned Santa Anita Park.

Bill Murphy, president of MEC-owned Gulfstream Park.

Kenneth Dunn, president of CDI-owned Calder Race Course and senior vice president of Florida operations for Churchill Downs Management Co.

Allen Gutterman, vice president of marketing for Santa Anita.

Dennis Brida, former president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and former executive director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders.

Patrick Kelly, a New York-based trainer and New York THA board member.

Empire Racing’s racetrack partners include CDI and MEC, each of which owns a minority interest in the venture.

O’Donnell Pops Up With Racing Bidders
August 14, 2006 at 4:09 pm by James M. Odato
LINK

In case you were wondering whatever happened to former U.S. Attorney Denise O’Donnell, who had garnered a bit of support for her bid to become the Democratic candidate for attorney general but dropped out soon after the state convention in May, she’s now in the racing business.

She is the latest addition to Empire Racing Associates, a group that is among 15 entitites planning to bid to take over the franchise to run races at the state’s three big thoroughbred tracks.

Empire, which is competing against some racing industry heavyweights, is lead by Jeff Perlee, a former executive director of the Division of Lottery, and is backed by the thoroughbred horse owners’ association. AG Eliot Spitzer has been highly critical of the current franchise-holder, the New York Racing Association.

O’Donnell quit the AG race despite the fact that some party regulars said she had the best qualifications to replace Spitzer.

At the convention, only Democratic AG frontrunner Andrew Cuomo received enough support to land an automatic ballot line, and O’Donnell didn’t have the cash to fund an expensive and time-consuming petition campaign.