2012 NEWS LINKS
FGA’S 2013/2014 Board of Directors
Board of Directors Meeting - Nov. 15, 2012
The followings members of the FGA will serve a two year team with the presidents of the area associations around Florida. The annual Board of Directors Meeting will be held Thursday, November 15, 2012 at the Ramada Sarasota Waterfront. At this time officers will also be elected for the next two years. All FGA members are welcome to attend.
James Abernathy Sr. (Sarasota)
Arthur Agganis (Palm Bch Greyhound Assn.)
James Blanchard (Bonita Greyhound Assn.)
Todd Byers (Daytona Bch Greyhound Assn.)
Rodney Connell (Lake Mary)
Catherine D’Arcy (St. Petersburg)
Russell Fortunato (Central Florida Greyhound Assn.)
Michael Gerard (Jacksonville)
Yvonne Gurbada (Sarasota)
Calvin Holland (Tampa Bay Greyhound Assn.)
John (Mike) Crowe (Greyhound Owners of Jacksonville)
Philip Ruotolo (Ft. Myers)
Danny Viles (Pensacola Greyhound Assn.)
Ramada Sarasota Waterfront
(Formerly Holiday Inn Airport)
7150 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34243
941-358-1000
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Luncheon 11:30 to 12:45 Restaurant
(Hosted by FGA - Open Menu ordering upon arrival)
Meeting: 1 PM in Dockside Room
Agenda:
1) FGA Board of Directors for 2013/2015 will be accepted.
2) Election of officers for the next two years.
3) NGA Fall Meet report
4) FGA On-line Auction fund raiser
Where Is the Credibility of Grey2K?
By Dick Ciampa, November, 2012
The Industry Keeps fighting Back!
Toward A Safer Workplace
By Dennis Mckeon, Sepotember 2012
The Industry Keeps fighting Back!
Concerned about Greyhound Welfare – Really?
By Veteran Dogman Dick Ciampa
(Monday, July, 30, 2012)
And the Industry Keeps Fighting Back!
Casino giant Genting’s political strategy:
big checks and many bets
(Saturday, July. 21, 2012)
Giant Casinos Not Going Away!
Lawmakers looking to tackle gaming regulation
(Monday, July. 23, 2012)
And the fun begins again!
In Memorandum
MICHAEL J. LABUN
FGA’s President 1991 – 2006
Michael J. Labun, former FGA President, passed away Monday evening June 25, 2012 in Newbury, VT. Mike moved to Vermont two month ago from Ft. Myers, FL to be near his son Scott and family.
He had been in failing health for the past few years. NGA Florida Director Jim Blanchard said, "We lost one of the best last night. Florida owes much to Mike Labun and the accomplishments he and his team made for greyhound racing."
Mike moved from Maine to Ft. Myers in 1982. In 1989 he attended a Board meeting of the Florida Greyhound Association at the invitation of Ed Richo, a Naples/Ft. Myers kennel owner. It was this time, the board discovered he had a background in Maine’s Harness Racing and had also served as treasurer of the Harness Horsemen’s International.
It wasn’t long before he displayed his knowledge and skills of the problems facing Florida Greyhound Racing both at the track level and the legislative level in Tallahassee. In 1991, for the first time ever, the FGA’s Board of Directors elected a non-dog man as president. A professional structure was immediately put into place for the association. This structure is still the backbone of the FGA today.
Michael was a naturally humorist person and could add a twist of his own to a story that would leave you literally “laughing out loud” while he retained a poker face.
The most important thing to Mike was his family. He was most proud of his son, Scott, his wife and two children. He is also survived by step-daughter, June Ann Swan amd her family. Mike loved his entire family and was never prouder than when grandson, Chris Swan, made the US Olympics’ rowing team and was training at the University of Tampa and joined us for dinner prior to an annual meeting of the FGA in the area. To Mike, education was the most important thing and the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren meant the world to him.
Mike’s sun sign was “Leo” and he certainly displayed the traits of a strong lion. He was fiercely loyal, a just but powerful enemy, creative and original, strong and vital, and had a heart of pure gold. Mike’s Leo personality had a true inner dignity and grace that let him carry his misfortunes with courage.
Although health issues finally forced Mike into retirement, his disposition and love of life never changed. He never lost his passion for racing and the plight of greyhound people in Florida and throughout the country. His memory is deeply rooted in Florida Greyhound Racing and the respect for this man is shared throughout the industry.
Memorial services for Michael Labun will be held at a later date in Decker, Maine. Memorial contributions may be made to the Greyhound Hall of Fame, 407 S. Buckeye, Abilene, Ks 67410. Also cards and other expressions of sympathy may be mailed to Scott Labun, 5516 Main Street South, Newbury, VT 05051.
Yvonne Gurbada
FGA's S/T
The Human Touch – Part II
By: Rory S. Goree
Director Welfare and Advocacy
United Greyhound Racing
Sunday, June 3, 2012About the time that news that the Florida decoupling bill failed to pass, a Grey2K board member unleashed comments many found offensive, even racially based. It should be noted that as of today, the executive director and president of this organization have yet to offer any apology, nor clarification regarding the disturbing comments made by one of its board members on its own facebook page. Silence from the leadership of Grey2K can only now months later be regarded as supportive of these statements? As those who seek to eliminate greyhound racing are fond of saying - in silence there is consent.
The board member made a claim that “middle aged white people” do not bet on the dogs. Again, another comment that stuck with me so during my visit to Tucson Greyhound Park, on June 1, 2012, I paid particular attention to the patrons. I felt it was safe to stop counting after 110+ as I was already well above the "only" 20 attendees often claimed in attendance by those who are against racing. I noted a varied cross portion of ethnic backgrounds in attendance and yes, several middle aged white people.
I ask that you not listen only to me, or limit your knowledge to one blog - I ask that you spread your wings and search for the answers. After all to have a true answer the answer to the question must come from within.
Supreme Court on Gambling
By: Jack Cory
FGA/NGA Chief Lobbyist
Friday, April 27, 2012SLOTS:In ruling Friday, the high court upheld a lower-court ruling that says "lawmakers can allow slot machines" at pari-mutuel facilities in various parts of the state.
Justices declined to take up a challenge to a 1st District Court of Appeal ruling that stems from a plan by Hialeah Park horse track in Miami-Dade County to add potentially lucrative slot machines.
But the lower-court ruling has ramifications across the state.
Voters in Gadsden, Washington and Hamilton counties in recent months have approved referendums to allow slot machines. Attorney General Pam Bondi has issued an opinion arguing the referendums are not legitimate.
SENATE MAPS: The second time was the charm for Republican-led efforts to redraw political boundaries for the 40-member state Senate, as the Florida Supreme Court upheld a second draft of new maps over the objections of two justices who said the proposal, in one instance, dilutes the clout of black voters.
The court's ruling removes the chance that justices would draw the map themselves as part of the state's once-a-decade redistricting process. Earlier this year, the court struck down the first attempt to draw Senate lines but allowed the House map to stand.
Three justices who helped form the 5-2 majority scrapping the first Senate plan -- Justices Barbara Pariente, R. Fred Lewis and Jorge Labarga -- fully supported the latest decision. Chief Justice Charles Canady and Justice Ricky Polston, who approved of the earlier Senate version, supported the majority in result only.
In a partial dissent, Justices James E.C. Perry and Peggy Quince, the court's two black members, criticized their colleagues for allowing Northeast Florida districts to stand while splitting in two a largely black area of Daytona Beach.
"This ruling sends a signal that it is permissible under the provisions of our constitution to divide and conquer a racial or language minority group before they are able to reach a majority voting bloc," Perry wrote in an opinion joined by Quince.
There are still hurdles. Portions of maps for the House, Senate and the state's congressional delegation still have to be approved by the U.S. Justice Department under the Voting Rights Act because of a history of racial or language discrimination in five Florida counties.
The maps could also be challenged in court under the Voting Rights Act, something Cuban-American lawmakers have suggested is likely because of the lack of a fourth strongly-Hispanic Senate district in Miami-Dade County.
Jack Cory's Final Report On Session
By Jack Cory
FGA/NGA Chief Lobbyiist
Highlights of Greyhound Legislation Thanks to all of the Grassroots efforts the Members of the FGA / NGA , the BAD Greyhound bill, HB 641, was NEVER HEARD in a House committee and died in Committee.
In Addition, there was only ONE public meeting relating to the BAD Senate Greyhound Bill (SB 382). This Bill also died upon adjournment.
This is an amazing triumph for the Members of the FGA and the NGA! For an indept accounting of Mr. Cory's final tracking report, please click the link below.Grassroots Campaign Pays off for Industry!
Mandated Live racing protected again in Florida!
Dear Partners in Florida Greyhound Racing:
On behalf of the officers, directors and the entire membership of the Florida Greyhound Association, we are pleased to announce that the 2012 Session of the Florida Legislature ended Friday night at 11:59 PM with the “Mandate of Live Greyhound Racing” still the law in Florida.
Many thanks to the NGA’s Board of Directors for standing at the plate with us once again and to the entire greyhound industry in Florida and throughout the USA and Canada for their continued support and participation in our call for financial assistance. Whether you made a financial contribution to our Legislative funds; donated or purchased in our 2012 Auction on Global Greyhounds; or, participated in our grassroots efforts with members of the Florida legislature – we are grateful for your efforts and the unity has never been stronger than this year. This success belongs to us all and we hope you will stay aboard as we regroup for the next session.
Our Tallahassee team was outstanding. Thanks to Jack and Keyna Cory and their entire crew at Public Affairs Consultants. Also thanks to Ramon Maury, Maury Management Group, and to our newest member of the Tallahassee team, David Shepp of Florida Strategic Group. You make us all walk prouder and taller with your representation of our beloved sport.
Special thanks to NGA Director from Florida, Jim Blanchard for organizing our grassroots effort and fund raising. Also, thanks to Florida NGA Director Hal Gill for chairing the "We the People PAC" and the funds he raised to help our lobbying efforts in Tallahassee. Our appreciation to Wendy Brotherton of Global Greyhounds, Bob Crossland and Lee Harrington for staging and producing the most successful auction we have held; and, our thanks to Kate D’Arcy for all her help with the auction. Also thank you to our APPROVED adoption groups who know the truth and fight the radical animal rights movement with us.
Last but not least, our sincere appreciation to our local area greyhound associations in Florida: Central Florida Greyhound Assn, Daytona Beach Greyhound Assn, Greyhound Owners Assn of Jacksonville, Mardi Gras Foundation, Palm Beach Greyhound Assn, Pensacola Greyhound Owners, Sarasota Kennel Owners, Southern Florida Greyhound Assn, and Tampa Bay Greyhound Assn. Without your support and contributions, our voice in Florida would have been silenced many years ago.
In closing, the following news item was released by Jack Cory this afternoon:
From: THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA* (edited version)
RUN, DOG, RUN
“When the 2012 Florida Legislative Session started, gambling was poised to be one of the biggest issues.
But by Friday's session end, gambling issues offered, were barely a whimper. For example, lawmakers did not move forward with proposals to stop live Greyhound Racing (SB 382 and HB 641) aimed at eliminating requirements that greyhound tracks run live races.
The Florida Greyhound Tracks and Grey2k supported the idea, which was heard in only one Senate committee.
The Florida and the National Greyhound Association opposed these Bills.
Most sincerely,
FGA’s Board of Directors
March 10, 2012
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT Tallahassee Fl.: SB 382, the bad Florida Greyhound Bill that would reduce or eliminate Live Greyhound Racing barley passed its first Senate Committee yesterday, but not before an attempt to strip out over $7 Million in Tax Breaks to Track Owners.
The Bills have a long way to go and attempts to strip out over $ 7 Million in Tax Breaks to Track Owners will continue.
Please keep up your Grassroots Lobbying of ALL Fl. Leg. Members in your aera.
Please call all Senators in your aera and ask them to Vote No on SB382 when it comes to the Senate Floor.
Tell them in your own words what it would mean to you and your family if the Tracks reduced or eliminated live Greyhound Racing.
Thank you to all the FGA / NGA Members that came to Tallahassee to Lobby against this Bill and thank you to your Lobbying Team of Erin Daly, Ramon Maury and David Sheep. There were all great!
I will send out more info soon.
Thank you for all you are doing for the FGA/NGA Legislative Grassroots Program.
Do not listen to the Tracks rumors!
Jack Cory
Public Affairs Consultants
Tallahassee, Fl 32301
Office (850)681-1065
Cell (850)566-9175
Senate panel rejects slot restrictions
(February 8, 2012)Tracks Deep $$ Pockets Pay Off - Again! Magic City Casino tops $1 billion a year in slots play
(February 01, 2012)According to Havenick they struggle to turn a profit!
Voters approve slot machines in two rural counties,
(Wednesday, February 01, 2012)
Legal Battle Looms!
Senate Panel: Allow Dog Tracks With No Dogs
(January 26, 2012)The Florida Scam of the Century!
Senate Committee Votes to
Tighten Parimutel Loopholes
(January 26, 2012)Tracks Deep $$ Pockets Pay Off!
Kennel industry fights back as
legislators push to reduce dog racing
(Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012)Now the Games Begin!
Pari-mutuels gain parity in gambling bill
(Jan. 10, 2012)Passage May Be Long Shot!
Florida casinos bill a catch-all, addressing the lottery,
dog tracks, jai-alai, and Internet cafes
(Jan. 02, 2012)First Committee Meeting January 10, 2012