newjerseynewsroom.com

Democratic legislators to examine horseracing, Sports Authority operation, stalled Xanadu project

A 10-member panel of Democratic legislators will convene Friday, Sept. 10 at the Meadowlands to hold a second "gaming summit'' hearing in an attempt to improve or promote horseracing, gambling, and the New Jersey Sports Authority and consider how to handle the nearby stalled Xanadu shopping and entertainment complex.

Gov. Chris Christie has received recommendations on how to handled the issues from his Governor's Advisory Commission on Gaming, Sports and Entertainment but the Democrats maintain they can do better.

The hearing, to be held at Pegasus West, will provide the lawmakers with an opportunity to solicit input from stakeholders on horseracing, the Sports Authority and the Xanadu project.

The panel is planning a total of three hearings to bring together lawmakers, industry leaders and policy experts to publicly examine the recommendations of the governor's gaming commission. The first forum was held Aug. 6 in Atlantic City and dedicated in large part to discussing to Atlantic City's casinos.

Sen. Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic) and Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester) are the co-chairmen. The other members are Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney (D-Gloucester), Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex), Senators Raymond J. Lesniak (D-Union), Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) and Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May) and Assembly members Ralph Caputo (D-Essex), Matthew W. Milam (D-Cumberland and Connie Wagner (D-Bergen).

The meeting will begin at 10 a.m.

— TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM