Hoss Talk

It took a long time to accomplish, but finally some common sense relating to placing slot machines in Vancouver has prevailed at City Hall.

After years of watching millions of dollars slip out of Vancouver to neighbouring municipalities, it's hats off to the five city councillors who voted last week to allow slots at the Plaza of Nations.

Among the comments in The Province relating to this issue, two may have caught your attention.

"People's attitudes have changed a great deal in the past 10 years," said councillor Tim Stevenson. "We have 50,000 of our citizens going to other municipalities to gamble."

There was much discussion about a poll showing that 60 per cent of Vancouverites opposed gambling.

As many of us know, poll numbers can be flawed; if one poll does not help your cause, you then contract another until you get one in your favour.

"Polls to me are just that, a snapshot," said Mayor Larry Campbell. "I tend to go with people who vote with their feet."

The news of slot machines at the Plaza of Nations was also a major turning point for several thousand workers employed in the thoroughbred industry.

"We are extremely pleased," said Phil Heard, president of Hastings Entertainment Inc. "What it did was open up Vancouver to allow slot machines at Hastings Racecourse. Because now that the [councillors] have gone over that psychological barrier of not having slot machines in Vancouver, we think it was good for our bid [to have slots at the track]."

Three months ago, when Hastings became the first group to apply for slot machines in Vancouver, council put off making a decision until June.

"Would Hastings do things differently now?" said Heard. "Absolutely! After sitting through that public hearing, we now understand what things the councillors want and what questions they want answered. Our next presentation will be totally different."

As in the past, Hastings can again expect loud opposition, but how loud is open for discussion.

Last November, prior to Hastings Racecourse appearing before city council on the slots issue, a "major" opposition rally was advertised in the media for the PNE Coliseum.

Three racing writers, including myself, decided to leave the races and see what was transpiring. Upon arrival we counted 30 people in attendance, of which 20 were organizers. We were totally taken aback by what we saw.

Days later, another much ballyhooed rally against slots was presented to the media. It was later shown on local TV news and revealed approximately 12 persons in attendance, including councillor Tim Louis.

Begging the question? How does a group this small, yet well organized, come so close to putting several thousands people out of work?

RACING SCHOOL: This week, the University of Arizona outstanding Steward and Judges Accreditation program arrives in the Lower Mainland. The seven-day course begins today at the Richmond Inn. The course will have 22 instructors from all over Canada teaching the basics and most recent updates relating to the job of racing steward or harness judge.

"A course like this is a way for the racing industry to assure the public, that those responsible for making critical decisions are fully aware of the rules," said Sam Hawkins, Director of Racing for B.C.

Tom Wolski can be seen on the Sport of Kings, 11:00 am Saturday Citytv

twolski@shaw.ca

Source: Vancouver Province
E-mail Tommy Wolski at twolski@home.com