Cuomo Supports NYRA's Bonomo Taking Leave
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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo supports the decision by Anthony Bonomo to take a leave of absence as chairman of the New York Racing Association.
The comments by Cuomo, who earlier this spring tapped Bonomo for the top racing post, came June 3, a day after Bonomo stepped down from the NYRA board after allegations that his medical malpractice company provided a no-show job to the son of former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, who is facing federal corruption charges.
Asked if Bonomo should have fully resigned instead of taking a leave of absence, Cuomo told reporters this afternoon on Long Island, "I support NYRA's decision and his decision.''
The latest cloud over NYRA, which is under the control of the Cuomo administration during a now four-year state reorganization period, comes as NYRA prepares for the June 6 Belmont Stakes (gr. I).
NYRA came under criticism for its handling of the crowd, from concession operations to jammed trains, at last year's Belmont Stakes. Officials have promised a smoother operation this year. One solution has been to limit the crowd size to 90,000 people.
Cuomo, who is not sure if he'll attend Saturday's race, said NYRA and the state-run transit agency has been working on plans for a better operation this weekend.
"Hopefully, we have a different result," Cuomo said. "I was there (last year) and it was wholly unacceptable."