Wanted to run this poll in this thread away from the "official" Horse Park information section.

I am still on the fence on this one even though I believe you can vote early on this starting around June 9, 2008 through June 14, 2008. http://www.voterfocus.com/hosting/su...20Election.htm

I added categories for our Canadian or other nationality TOTVers so they can chime in too.

Sample ballot for the Special Election-- http://www.voterfocus.com/hosting/su...20Election.pdf

Even though Marion and Lake County residents do not get a vote in the Sumter County Special Election thought it would be nice to see where they stand too.

[Sunshinesegway]

I think the word horse park is misleading. We have a wonderful horsepark in marion county on 475. It is a well known park where they hold numerous event involving the horse industry. But there is no gambling involved. They shouldnt call it a horse park. When I first saw the sign I was pleased to know all the farmland would be turned in to a nice park for different equine events such as the one in Ocala. Not a track and gambling facility.

[Villages Kahuna]

We're experiencing the myriad of undesirable developments as the result of a huge Indian-owned casino just off the interstate near New Buffalo, MI. After more than five years of litigation, with the continued support of the Bush administration and the Republican administration in Lansing, the facility finally was built. It is the largest casino east of Las Vegas, including even the biggest in New Jersey.

So far, few if any of the positive results forecast by the developers have enured to the benefit of the locals. The casino sponsor was the Pokagon Indian tribe, of which very few remain; the "real" developer is a casino operator out of Las Vegas who was a huge contributor to the Bush election campaign as well as that of the former Michigan governor who approved the casino license near the end of his term of office. They simply used the few remaining Pokagons--who live near Cleveland, OH by the way--as a front for the new casino. To my knowledge not a single Indian is employed in the casino.

The negotiation of terms between the developer and the local town government regarding governmental support services, police, fire, traffic control, etc. was a mismatch if there ever was one. The experts with high-paid lawyers against the local bumpkins. On weekends, the traffic jam exiting the interstate rivals that of a Florida theme park during Spring Break. All the increased business that the locals expected has never occurred as the result of the casino patron staying put in the casino instead of roaming into the town main street to souvenir shop and eat. Fortunately, we live far enough away from New Buffalo so as not to experience all the bad results of the new casino.

My wife and I will vote a resounding NO to the proposed "horse park", AKA betting parlor. We'd suggest all of you think abou the possible results before you cast your own votes.

By the way, it might be an interesting study to find out which politicians the developer of this facility has contributed to in recent elections. That might tell a lot of the story.

[KathieI]

Originally Posted by Sunshinesegway

I think the word horse park is misleading. We have a wonderful horsepark in marion county on 475. It is a well known park where they hold numerous event involving the horse industry. But there is no gambling involved. They shouldnt call it a horse park. When I first saw the sign I was pleased to know all the farmland would be turned in to a nice park for different equine events such as the one in Ocala. Not a track and gambling facility.

Sunshine, good point. I agree, when the Horse Park was first discussed, I thought, so what? No problem, but then found out its a betting parlour and racetrack, and became concerned about the obvious midleading name for the project. This makes me suspicious right from the start. What else will be in store for us?

I agree with Mrs. & Mrs. VK, "My wife and I will vote a resounding NO to the proposed "horse park", AKA betting parlor. We'd suggest all of you think about the possible results before you cast your own votes."

[Russ_Boston]

Kahuna - The experience that are citing in MI didn't happen with Foxwoods in CT. Perhaps it was because Foxwoods is in a very rural location. An occasional traffic jam for a special event (concert etc.) but otherwise relatively benign. Was the casino in MI in a more urban area?

I added a few more categories which I hope will catch just about everyone who lives or is thinking of moving to TV.

[Russ_Boston]

TAL - I think you could narrow it down to 6 choices:

YES - NO - UNDECIDED (eligible to vote)
YES - NO - UNDECIDED (not eligible to vote or won't be in FLA on the day to vote)

[redwitch]

We also have to remember that this will not be casino-size. It is a small facility and nothing is open 24/7. That alone will make a huge difference on actual impact of anything -- pro and con.

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

TAL - I think you could narrow it down to 6 choices:

YES - NO - UNDECIDED (eligible to vote)
YES - NO - UNDECIDED (not eligible to vote or won't be in FLA on the day to vote)

Thanks, Russ Boston. I would have to redo this and start from scratch though.

We will vote NO.......

[graciegirl]

I am going to show a prejudice. (against youth) The young man, who is promoting this facility, Mike G. is only 25 years old. However, he is backed by his family who has been doing this for some time. I have to admit to ME he seems very young to be the head of an operation like this.

The youth and lack of years of his own experience would be enough to give me pause.

Doesn't matter. I can't vote.

[drdodge]

yes
drd

[jtdraig]

I'm confused but that's nothing new....I thought this was a Sumter County vote only? :dontknow:

Originally Posted by jtdraig

I'm confused but that's nothing new....I thought this was a Sumter County vote only? :dontknow:

It is only Sumter County registered residents who can vote in the June 17, 2008 Special Election on the Oxford Horse Park. TV residents would be affected by it though who live in Marion and Lake County. I would expect actually that the heaviest impact if the Oxford Horse Park were created would be on Marion County's Villagers. Traffic on US301 would probably be the main concern.

Commercial property values would probably increase around the Horse Park but it seems likely that the houses' worth near there would decrease. I did not note any Villages homes though anywhere near the Horse Park's proposed site.

Gambling by Villagers would probably rise too except that I would expect the people who would become regulars at the Horse Park already go to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa fairly regularly.

[samhass]

Gracie, He may be young, but I think he has grown up "in the business". Being young doesn't always equate with bad business sense. Look at the young Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, etc.
The young'uns didn't do to bad for themselves.