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Thursday, April 17, 2008
Editorial: Downs Should Get Approval
The Estancia Valley got its chance Tuesday to show the New Mexico Racing Commission that the proposed move of the Downs at Albuquerque to Moriarty is something most people welcome.
Paul Blanchard, the track’s president, announced in 2006 that he wanted to move the Downs away from Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque and build a new complex on 500 acres in Moriarty. The Racing Commission deferred a decision on the move until it got regulations in place and a impact study completed on Zia Park in Hobbs. Now the Downs decision could be made within a month.
Of the 500 people who attended a public meeting Tuesday night at the Moriarty Civic Center, most were in support of the move. The area, most argue, needs jobs, and a racino would go a long way toward economic development. A minority opposed the transfer, claiming the track would bring problems.
Opponents to the transfer also included Laguna and Acoma Pueblos, which see the potential loss of revenue from their casino operations. The pueblos also argued there is a lack of information about the impact a move by the Downs would have.
The pueblos are concerned that traffic along Interstate 40 will be pulled into Moriarty instead of their operations. Currently, the Downs cannot pull truck traffic directly off the freeway.
Despite concerns, the Racing Commission should approve the transfer. Not only would the Estancia Valley be getting jobs and economic development, but the whole state would be getting a high-class facility in the heart of New Mexico.
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