DEL MAR RACE TRACK FOR SALE?
DEL MAR, Calif -
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is proposing several state landmark properties be put up for sale to help the state's growing financial crisis. But San Diegans aren't too happy about the Del Mar Fairgrounds being on that list.
"Sir, with all due respect, this is the dumbest, most fiscally irresponsible decision you could ever make," said Solana Beach City Councilman Dave Roberts.
In a packed room of more than 200 people, there were no supporters of selling the historic venue. Seven of the nine board members that oversee the fairground operations were appointed by the governor, but none endorsed his plan.
"The economic impact of the fairgrounds on a year round basis to the local community is in excess of 400 million dollars," said Fairgrounds CEO/General Manager Tim Fennell. "And you're talking about the equivalent of four to five thousand fulltime jobs," he added.
Many say the state should be selling off assets that are keeping them in the red and not the ones making a huge profit with the potential of making much more.
"We do gambling here, Maybe there's other gambling opportunities here that we don't currently have that could be brought here, said Fennell. "Maybe they could have sports book so not only could you wager on horse racing, but you could wager on basketball and football," he said.
Some believe a better option to selling may be a public-private partnership where the state receives money every single year, but then as the property is developed, they get a percentage of the profits as well. Experts believe that option could bring in between one and two billion dollars .
"Sir, with all due respect, this is the dumbest, most fiscally irresponsible decision you could ever make," said Solana Beach City Councilman Dave Roberts.
In a packed room of more than 200 people, there were no supporters of selling the historic venue. Seven of the nine board members that oversee the fairground operations were appointed by the governor, but none endorsed his plan.
"The economic impact of the fairgrounds on a year round basis to the local community is in excess of 400 million dollars," said Fairgrounds CEO/General Manager Tim Fennell. "And you're talking about the equivalent of four to five thousand fulltime jobs," he added.
Many say the state should be selling off assets that are keeping them in the red and not the ones making a huge profit with the potential of making much more.
"We do gambling here, Maybe there's other gambling opportunities here that we don't currently have that could be brought here, said Fennell. "Maybe they could have sports book so not only could you wager on horse racing, but you could wager on basketball and football," he said.
Some believe a better option to selling may be a public-private partnership where the state receives money every single year, but then as the property is developed, they get a percentage of the profits as well. Experts believe that option could bring in between one and two billion dollars .
