MGC Offers Help for Displaced Suffolk Workers
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By Lynne Snierson
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission released a statement Sept. 18 offering help for soon to be unemployed Suffolk Downs workers and racing industry stakeholders, but the words rang hollow for the track's chief operating officer.
"This is one of those cases where the gaming commission's actions speak louder than their words. For the family of workers here, this feels like empty posturing," said Suffolk Downs chief operating officer Chip Tuttle. "The commission's actions Tuesday made clear how little value they place on these jobs and these people. That message, while unfortunate, has been received loud and clear by the hundreds of decent hardworking people here now facing unemployment and uncertainty."
The MGC delivered the knockout punch to the 79-year-old track Sept. 16 when it selected Wynn Resorts' application to develop a $1.6 billion casino development two miles from the stable gate. The competing plan for the sole Boston area license was from Mohegan Sun, which proposed a $1.3 billion casino on racetrack grounds.
Suffolk subsequently announced that the end of the meet Sept. 29 will be the end of live racing and the track will close for good in December. The holders of 1,500 direct and indirect Thoroughbred jobs, including several hundred track employees, are adversely affected.
The MGC's statement read in full: "The Massachusetts Gaming Commission fully understands and is saddened by the impact discontinuance of live Thoroughbred racing at Suffolk Downs will have on the lives of the dedicated men and women who have played a role in racing at the track for many, many years. The commission and its racing division are fully committed to an extensive and sustained exploration of every available option that may preserve the long tradition of Thoroughbred racing in the commonwealth.
"In addition, the commission is also dedicated to assisting racing employees through workforce development and by identifying additional employment solutions. Lastly, the commission will address this important issue at its next public meeting on September 25, 2014."