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Newman Appointed to County Horse Racing Committee
Freehold Borough Councilman John Newman will be part of the County's reinstated Save the Horse Committee, according to APP.com.
At a time when the racing industry's future in New Jersey is precarious, the committee will seek state support for Monmouth County's racetracks and professionals.
From the report:
The panel was in place two years ago and lobbied state lawmakers to help the horse racing industry.
Millstone Township Mayor Nancy Grbelja is the chairwoman.
Other panel members from a preliminary list include Michael J. Mahon, mayor of Oceanport; Greg Dey, a Manalapan veterinarian; Tom Luchento, president of the state Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association; Anthony T. Abbatiello, a New Jersey Racing Commission member; John Ryan, a Colts Neck thoroughbred breeder; Pat Butch, a Millstone Township standardbred breeder; Anthony Peretti and Mark Mullen, who each own farms in Upper Freehold; and John Ciufo, who heads the county government's economic development department.
mikerosseel, 
Lisa S, 
Kathymommy and 3 others are discussing.
Lisa S 12:17 pm on March 2, 2010 Permalink |
Congrats, Councilman Newman!
Ted Miller 12:37 pm on March 2, 2010 Permalink |
The horse racing industry is critical to the economics of Freehold Borough and the greater western Monmouth region. It is an outstanding pleasure to have our newest Borough Councilman, The Honorable John F. Newman appointed to this key committee.
Mr Newman will add valuable contributions to our community by helping influence the stability and growth of this critical economic component to Freehold Borough and our region.
It is refreshing to see Councilman Newman make such a quick impact so early on into his term of office. Councilman Newman is proving to be a real go-getting for Freehold Borough. It is evident that he is making quick strides for Freehold Borough, both on a municipal, county and state level.
Congratulation again to Councilman John Newman.
Brian Sullivan 5:34 pm on March 2, 2010 Permalink |
Freehold is in better hands with Councilman Newman. In under 60 days he has become involved with several great things that will be good for the town. He has been a wonderful addition to the great council we have.
mikerosseel 8:36 pm on March 2, 2010 Permalink |
Brian,
Not sure what or why Freehold is in better hands with Newman. Good work John Newman with your Volunteer application and your assignment here for the track!
Lets not re-name the town after him for 60 days served! I hope Newman continues to do good! Maybe next he can help the concerned residents with Anti-Boro articles that have been put out of late! that would be great!
Lisa S 8:16 am on March 3, 2010 Permalink |
Let’s not forget about how hard working and effective the other council folk are, including Marc LeVine when he was on council. I know that Marc and another councilman helped friends of mine instantly and on “off hours.” They all put the town first rather than themselves. Councilwoman Shutzer, Councilmen Kane, DiBenedetto, Sims and Schnurr and the Mayor are constantly supporting various town groups and families. Councilman Newman is in great company with authentic leaders and because of that, he can be great too.
I honestly hope that our horse industry can indeed by saved and brought back to thriving. There are some wonderful horse farms throughout Colts Neck and Millstone and what a shame it would be if they can no longer exist.
briansullivan 9:53 am on March 3, 2010 Permalink |
lisa, i agree with you about the rest of the governing body. Each on their merits are good people who care. But, they are not the point of this article. John is. the voters put their faith in him and clearly will not be disappointed.
mikerosseel 10:35 am on March 3, 2010 Permalink |
Brian, I dont know why your so angry about people praising others besides John. John got his credit and well deserved. Lisa was the first to comment on that. And of course there not the point of the article, they never are!
Lisa S 11:01 am on March 3, 2010 Permalink |
I understand the point of the article. But Councilman Newman does not operate by himself. He is part of a team, as they all are. He’s still new and he has one of the best teams of councilfolk and a mayor to learn from and work cohesively with.
And I also did address the most important part of this article, which is trying to craft a safety net for the horse industry not only in Monmouth County but the state of New Jersey.
Kathymommy 11:24 am on March 3, 2010 Permalink |
I’m sure horseracing is important economically, historically, and as a way of perserving “open space” and supporting the agricultural industry. However, the…seediness…that often accompanies the industry (drinking, gambling, certain business practices) don’t do much to endear the industry to me. Of course, I’m generalizing and operating on perhaps unsupported impressions. But I’d wager (pardon the expression) that MOST NJ taxpayers are more like me (they aren’t frequent patrons of the tracks, which is a big part of the industry’s suffering). If the powers-that-be are asking taxpayer support for this industry, then the perception of the industry must change. I admit I don’t speak for everyone! and that Freehold Raceway is generally a good neighbor to us. But spending public money to support an industry demands an attitude more supportive than tolerant, and nostalgia is not a good enough reason. I hope the committee can find good ways to improve the industry’s situation. My guess is that a big part of that must include the horse racing industry developing a more mainstream appeal than just wagering.
Lisa S 11:32 am on March 3, 2010 Permalink |
Kathymommy, I love your last sentence because I am in full agreement! I have long said that the racing industry should have invested in a very strong marketing campaign to appeal to families, etc., and I think the lack of a cohesive and alluring campaign has caused the situations you have described.
But then again, everyone who knows me knows I think marketing is the answer to everything!
mikerosseel 11:53 am on March 3, 2010 Permalink |
Re-reading these post makes me have a question for Mr Miller. Ted in a post like a month ago, you made comments on how a group of jockeys idea for a race for MLK on his day was a poor idea, an idea that seemed off due to wagering, all african american jockeys etc. You claimed it wasn’t a respectful way to pay tribute, to me you were saying that industry was more for gambling, drinking etc, then it was to pay tribute to Dr King. I ask you how an industry which you were against a month ago, is now an exceptable industry for Mr Newman to be a part of. Is it possible because you can claim some sunshine from this that now the racing industry is ok? Im kind of confused Mr Miller. What changed your mind Ted?
for the record, I think its great Newman has been appointed!