Video slots can save racing in state
A recent Independent editorial urged Gov. Steve Beshear to withhold support of expanded gaming at Kentucky’s race tracks unless there is a statewide referendum. Apparently Ohio Governor Strickland has latched on to that position. But the situations in Ohio and Kentucky are completely different.
The stakes for Ohio are not nearly as high as those for Kentucky. Ohio is not faced with the imminent threat of losing its signature industry. Ohio’s equine industry supports 12,000 jobs. Kentucky’s equine industry has a $4 billion economic impact and provides 100,000 jobs for Kentuckians — from breeders to van drivers. That’s 100,000 Kentuckians who could lose their jobs if something isn’t done quickly to save the state’s signature industry.
That “something” is placing video lottery terminals at Kentucky’s tracks.
The Innovation Group, the premier gaming consulting firm, projected that the video lottery terminals will generate new revenue for the state — up to $937 million in the first year of operation and up to $1.2 billion by year five. This revenue will be allocated to race tracks to offer competitive purses and attract the top horses to Kentucky. It also will contribute to the state’s General Fund.
The bill proposed by House Speaker Greg Stumbo simply would place video lottery terminals at race tracks. It’s not expanding the venue; it’s expanding the menu.
We’re talking about Kentucky’s signature industry. When the vans loaded with horses start leaving the state; when the smaller tracks shut down because they can’t compete; when the real estate market collapses under the glut of farms for sale; and when the attorneys, veterinarians, accountants and insurance providers start looking for relocation services, the editorialists like the one who wrote the recent call for a referendum might get the message.
Patrick Neely , Executive Director, Kentucky Equine Education Project
Area races great fun for the family
Spring is in the air. The trees are blooming and the bees are buzzing. There is another sound in the air. It’s the roar of engines firing. The late model, limited late model, modified late model and the bomber race cars are letting their presence be known.
If you’ve traveled along Interstate 64 or U.S. 23 lately, you’ve probably seen trailers being pulled or haulers transporting these race cars. The races extend in our area from Portsmouth Raceway, Rocky Top, Willard and all points north, south, east and west. I’ve visited these three because my son is a limited late model driver, No. 55.
He’s spent lots of time, money and energy toward the sport that he loves. Many families come out to these raceways to see the cars run. It’s great family fun and excitement. Just make sure you bring your ear plugs?
Why isn’t The Independent covering these races? The newspapers in larger cities do. The Ashland area has so much to offer our people and visitors. Let’s make ourselves known!
Linda Kiser, Ashand
He’s lost pride in the community
As a child, I remember being proud to be a part of this area. Aside from the beautiful wildlife, there was very much a feeling of community. Now the only feeling is one of oppression, misunderstanding, and lack of patience and open mindedness to find common ground for communication and progress. A corporation collage lay over this land of pollution, broken dreams, addiction, narrow-minded judgment and jail sentences.
Why are we defining ourselves this way? Are we defining ourselves at all?
T. Jay Tackett , Ashland
Use of torture can’t be defended
After years of secrecy, the Obama administration recently showed its commitment to transparency by releasing memos that reveal how senior Bush administration officials authorized cruel interrogations.
Now former Bush administration officials are trying to resuscitate a dead argument in support of torture. We know that torture is inhumane. We also know that torture is ineffective. We also deserve to know the truth about what happened.
Let’s not let these voices from the past impede our movement back toward the ideals and standards the United States stands for.
Anyone who breaks the law should have to pay the penalty.
Richard LeMaster, Ashland
Walk to promote organ donations
Second Chance at Life, Ashland chapter, is planning its annual walk for awareness to promote organ and tissue donation. This event will take place May 16 in Ashland’s Central Park. Sign in will be at the corner of 22nd Street and Lexington Avenue.
Registration for this event will begin at 9 a.m. with the walk beginning at and the walk will begin at 9:30. The participation fee is $6 per person or pledges/sponsors for the walk. “Donate Life” shirts will be available for $4 each. There will be snacks and water for the walkers.
Those interested may request a pledge/sponsor sheet by calling (606) 393-5217 or (304) 523-5775.
This event is a major fundraiser for the Ashland Chapter of Second Chance at Life organ tissue donor awareness group, a not-for-profit organization.The funds from this walk will be used for various awareness events.
Bring your family, your friends, your children/babies in strollers, bring your pets! We encourage businesses and civic organization to form teams! Sunday School classes, schools, clubs and organizations, teachers and students are encouraged to join in this celebration of life.
Trophies will be given to those with the most number of sponsors, highest amount of pledges raised and largest team!
Remember, organ and tissue transplantation saves lives.
Patricia Rice, Ashland
Volunteers vital to Lawrence schools
The theme for National Volunteer Week — commemorated April 19-25 — is “Celebrating People in Action.” The theme captures the meaning behind this signature week: Honoring people who dedicate themselves to taking action and solving problems in their local communities.
Lawrence County Schools will be conducting events during the week to focus attention to those who strive to improve our schools and community. The Lawrence County Schools have almost 200 parents and community members who have attended the district’s volunteer training and have been certified to work in our schools.
National Volunteer Week presents an opportunity to recognize and thank our school volunteers for all of the things that they accomplish through service. On behalf of Lawrence County staff and students, they have our sincere gratitude.
Jeff May, superintendent, Lawrence County Schools
1945 AHS class plans luncheon
The Ashland High School class of 1945 invites the classes of the mid-1940s, plus the class of 1948, to a get-together beginning at 9 a.m. Friday at the Ponderosa in Ashland. Join us for a good time of reminiscing and camaraderie.
Roger Noonan, Ashland
