Strong show of support for proposal

Even those opposed to gaming had little bad to say about the project.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Their messages were sometimes lengthy, sometimes humorous, but overwhelmingly positive.
That just about wraps up what was said by the more than 20 people who spoke at Wednesday's public comment meeting before the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission concerning the proposed Bedford Downs site in Lawrence County.
The $65 million project is expected to bring about 2,000 jobs to the region.
"Lawrence County needs this. All of my friends and neighbors are in support of Bedford Downs," said Robert Zedaker of Pulaski Township, a retired district justice.
"These people are hungry and they have been waiting for a project like this," said Sean Mason of Hess Commercial Printing in New Castle.
Others took a lighter approach and focused on the gaming side of the project.
"This is a melting pot -- a diverse area. These are people who will bet on anything that moves. This area is ready," said Terry Abrams, deputy executive director of the Home Builders/Remodeler's Association of Mahoning County.
Even those who opposed granting the racetrack license had little bad to say about the specifics of the Bedford Downs proposal.
The Meadows
Mike Jeannot, vice president of Magna Entertainment, which operates The Meadows in Washington County, Pa., spoke of the impact any gaming license would have on his company's off-track betting facilities in western Pennsylvania.
The Meadows has off-track betting parlors in New Castle and Moon Township, both near sites the leading competitors seek for the last harness racing track license. He said his company is not backing any proposal.
But an employee of the Meadows off-track betting parlor in New Castle spoke about how Bedford Downs would be a great addition to the community.
"The support is here in Lawrence County for harness racing. People drive every day from Cleveland [to the off-track betting parlor in New Castle]" said Jim Connerly, who has worked at New Castle's off track betting parlor for 14 years.
The Rev. Bill Beck of Barnstone Ministries spoke on behalf of the New Castle Ministerial Association, saying it opposes gambling, but then went on to say that he supports Bedford Downs President Carmen Shick, whose father went to high school with Beck.
The Rev. Mr. Beck even called Shick to the podium and led a prayer.
A host of public officials and business leaders outlined the economic benefits of the track to Lawrence County for the commission.
cioffi@vindy.com