To All Members of the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association,

Over the course of the last two years it has been my privilege to represent you as your Executive Director. This has allowed me to become familiar with the many aspects of the harness racing industry and also with most of our membership. You have shown me the “inside” of our sport and treated me with extraordinary kindness. I am extremely grateful and wish to thank all of you for accepting me, tolerating me and making me feel at home.

Harness racing is a highly competitive industry. Breeding, training, driving, grooming-all have a common bond-the desire to win. I have witnessed the “thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” first hand. The emotion is raw and often unfettered. Yet, through it all you persist every day, every week and every year. You are an extraordinary group! I have the deepest admiration for your work ethic, your love of harness racing and your desire to better the sport.

Our industry faces enormous challenges, challenges that may threaten your livelihood. Funding will be analyzed by the legislature, regulations will be discussed and altered, venues will be proposed and you will endure.

It is in the best interests of our sport that each of you appreciates the industry as a whole. Harness racing needs you to race hard, race fairly and race with one notion in mind-preserve the tradition which is harness racing.

Recently, Governor LePage honored my family and me by nominating me to become the new Commissioner of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. It caused me to pause. I seldom lose sight of how greatly blessed I am and this moment in time brought home that reality once again. I work in a job which I truly enjoy, but I have decided to embark on a new journey which I see as the chance to positively impact our state for my grandchildren and their grandchildren. It is a rare opportunity. Thus, I want to say “thank you” for what you have given me. I am unable to do this in person and for that I apologize, but please know that I will think of you often and will see some of you again, perhaps at Biddeford Downs.