Supporters of Biddeford Downs are asking horsemen to contact their local legislators to support the effort to bring Biddeford Downs to reality.

Earlier this week, the Gambling Control Board deliberated over the 100-mile radius rule put into place when voter supported slot machines at racetracks in 2003. The rule states that a racino or casino cannot be opened within 100 miles of an existing facility. The Oxford Casino's proposed site, which passed in referendum in 2010, has been deemed to be within the 100 mile radius. The site is 94 miles from Hollywood Slots using a straight line on the map. Proponents of the Oxford Casino state that their site is outside the 100 miles if you use roadways to measure the 100 miles. The Gambling Control Board did not make a decision on the issue this week.

Horsemen are asked to use the following "talking points" when speaking to their representatives* :
(1) The people of Biddeford voted by an overwhelming margin to allow the racino to move forward. This is a local vote and local control.
(2) People voted in 2003 to allow 2 racinos - the one in Bangor and the other one in Southern Maine - this is our opportunity to fulfill the wishes of the Maine people.
(3) It will create 500 good paying, full-time jobs and up to 800 construction jobs.
(4) This is about fundamental fairness - Oxford wants a legislative change because it's too close to Hollywood Slots. Biddeford Downs is asking for the same distance provision in relationship to the distance between Biddeford and Oxford.
(5) This preserves the heritage of Harness Racing, without it, Harness Racing dies.
(6) Harness Racing does well around the country when it is attached to racinos.
(7) Harness Racing preserves open space and contributes millions of dollars back into the economy, supporting farmers who grow the hay and service providers who are employed in the efforts to keep the horses on the track.

Please remember to be respectful and courteous to your legislators when you speak to them. Offending them can only hurt our cause.

To find out whom your Legislators are click on this link: http://www.maine.gov/legis/house/townlist.htm

This article is in the Journal Tribune and is a good review of what has happened in the last few months and the goals needed in the future.

Ernie Lowell also wrote a piece that was in the Portland Press Herald and can been read here.

* - talking points are courtesy of Crystal Canney & Biddeford Downs