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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. This week we learned a former New Hampshire Governor is Harvard bound while a former President was Manchester bound. We also saw a show of support for the Shipyard, a tug of war over election ballots, and let's not forget the state budget. It's certainly been an eventful week and here to talk about it: James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com, Edith Tucker of the Coos County Democrat, and Mike Pomp, News Director and talk show host of WTSN-AM 1270. A warm welcome to you all. |
| Senate Finance hear Return to index of stories... |
Let's begin with the Money. The state budget is now in the hands of the Senate finance committee-- which got an earful this week from those who want the Senate to restore funding for land preservation, as well as services for the disabled and mentally ill. One father from Nashua spoke out about the importance of funding for programs which helped his son who suffers from bi-polar disorder. Q Senators facing the same difficult decisions the House dealt with. And the budget hole appears to be even DEEPER than when the house heard similiar appeals. Q EDITH: Those speaking out at the Hearing said: The Legislature did taxpayers NO favor when it shifted costs to county and local levels -- for these needy social services rather than find new ways to raise revenues. \ Is that the sentiment in the North Country?? BETH: The House budget -- is 93 million dollars short of what the Governor proposed. The Seate is working to RECONCILE requests with expected revenues. Stay Tuned. |
| School Funding Return to index of stories... |
A new School Funding Plan surfaced this week -- which calls for treating the state as ONE school district by "pooling" all the state's property wealth and dividing it by ALL the pupils in the state. It would also TARGET aid to those districts facing extra costs for special education -- and KEEP the state property tax. Q JAMES: Is this proposal picking up any steam? Or, is it dead in the water? Q EDITH/MIKE: The plan is aimed at helping small towns with smaller tax bases -- Would the North Country or Seacoast BENEFIT from this plan??? Q JAMES: I can't imagine the governor would support a plan that woud MAINTAIN at statewide property tax -- something he promised to END, if elected. |
| State Employees Return to index of stories... |
Yet -- Another expense to add to the Budget List. State Employee Raises. A tentative deal on a new contract was reached this week. It calls for raises in exchange for higher out-of pocket costs for Health insurance. Membership has yet to weigh in. They vote over the next 2 weeks. So-- Where's the Money going to come from? Well, that's the 27-million dollar question. Q JAMES: Not everything the UNION wanted. Union Pres called it fair given tight budgetary times. Is the RANK & FILE likely to pass it? Q EDITH/MIKE: They've been without a contract since 2003. 12-thousand state employees -- spread thru-out the state. Is this welcomed news in your areas?? Q JAMES: State Employees were KEY to John Lynch's Election Victory -- and he clearly owes them -- Will he be able to DELIVER?? BETH: All this still needs Legislative approval for funding -- Will they GET IT.We'll see!! Any one want to wager a GUESS?? |
| Track & Gambling Return to index of stories... |
On the GAMBLING front. The Lakes Region Greyhound park in Belmont shut down this week. But, it could re-open in a matter of months. The track's problems began with the indictment of 2 former managers on illegal gambling charges. Some say the scandal -- sealed the fate of the video-gambling bill in the Senate. It was soundly defeated in early April. But, there's been talk it could be resurrected in the Senate? Q JAMES: Any credence to that talk? Q The bill --would have cleared the way for video SLOT machines at race tracks and in Coos County. It was estimated it would have generated 200-300 million in New state REVENUE. |
| Election Ballots Return to index of stories... |
A tug of war over the ballot went to Superior court this week. At issue: Which political party or candidate should appear FIRST on New Hampshire's election ballot? State Law says the party that WINS the most votes in the previous election goes FIRST on the ballot. Democrats, Independents, Libertarians even some REPUBLICANS say that's unfair -- landing the issue in Court. Q JAMES: Where does the challenge Stand now? Q Those not in the MAJORITY Party proposed a RANDOM DRAWING to determine who TOPS the ballot. Not everyone likes that idea?? The A-G office says that would be CONFUSING? Would it??? Q BETH: Opponents argue the GOP has advantage -- One professor testified that Republicans don't have a better chance of getting elected than Democrats simply because they're names are listed FIRST. Another professfor from Oklahama contradicted that --saying candidates that TOP the list have STATISTICAL advantage. |
| Bill Clinton NH Visit 1 Return to index of stories... |
Keeping NH's primary FIRST is an ongoing battle for the state. On Thursday former President Bill Clinton weighed in -- during a stop in Manchester to promote his BOOK. As Clinton signed his auto-biography, which came out last year, he reminisced about his NH campaign in 19-92 and how he owes the people of this state an enormous debt. Mr. Clinton said the state's primary should "stay" as the lead-off presidential contest. Q Another endorsement for the unique grassroots politics of the NH primary. Could any politican with presidential aspirations TRASH the first-in-the nation primary??? Q Bill Clinton can still draw a crowd. Folks camped out overnight to be first-in-line for a copy of his Memoir, "My Life". Hasn't lost his charisma. Q Folks said Mr Clinton looked good -- for someone who had a 2nd heart surgery less than a month ago. Remained on his feet for hours to accomodate the crowd. ** His role with Pres Bush in Tsunami relief efforts put him in the Jimmy Carter category -- ex presidents who have gone on to build a reputation for humanitarian causes. |
| Shipyard rolling rally Return to index of stories... |
Some have suggested in 19-95 President Clinton exerted pressure on the Base Closure commisison to spare the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard -- the New Hampshire primary race was underway at the time. The Shipyard is considered to be vulnerable again. Supporters held a rolling rally last Saturday to drum up support for the yard. In February -- a NH group visiting Washington -- sent a clear message to presidential candidates -- suggesting the facility's CLOSURE could hurt the "chances" of anyone who runs for president in 2008. Q JAMES: What do you make of that. Good Strategy -- or a stretch? Q MIKE/EDITH: Base closures bring enormous political ramifications. Voters often blame lawmakers for disappearing jobs. Q A new report says New England, especially New Hampshire, has been hit the hardest by military base closings. BETH: The List comes out May 13th we'll know the yard's fate then. |
| Shaheen/Harvard Return to index of stories... |
Jeanne Shaheen making headlines this week. The former NH Governor is Harvard-bound. She's been tapped as the new director of the Insitutute of Politics at the JFK school of Government. She starts her new job July 1st. Q Shaheen --became very high profile when she signed on as John Kerry's Campaign Manager. JAMES: I know you've suggested her Involvement helped Turn things around in the early days of the campaign? Q MIKE/EDITH: your thoughts. ** She's always been a trailblazer -- she was the first woman to be elected NH governor back in 1996, served 3 terms. Q Harvard says -- she WON'T be involved in GRASSROOTS politics as the school of government's director. So, does this mean she'll be sitting on the bench for the 2008 primary??? Q Some have suggested Shaheens DEPARTURE from the political scene could propel JOHN LYNCH to the position of "powerbroker" in the 2008 Democratic Presidential Primary. Do you PRESCRIBE to that sentiment?? Q Past directors at the Kennedy School have had some short Tenures -- so, she could still be in the thick of things for 2008?? Even if she's out of the picture -- there's always her husband Billy Shaheen??? Q Former MA Governor Bill Weld -- is considering running for Governor of NY --if George Pataki doesn't seek a 4th term. He'll step aside if former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani decides to run. -- prepare Weld for a presidential run down the road. Q Current MA Governor Mitt Romeny -- testing the waters for a presidential run too. |
| Mt Sunapee Return to index of stories... |
** DESIGNATED KILL Governor Lynch met this week with state Economic Development Commissioner Sean O'Kane to talk about the proposed expansion of the Mount Sunapee ski resort. O'Kane is considering a request to expand the state-owned ski area by 175 acres. The resorts managers want to connect the land-- that they lease from the state-- to private land where they hope to build condos. Q There's much opposition to the proposal. Governor Lynch has said he's against the idea. Will there be a resolution on this soon? Q What can we expect? |
| Buried Treasure Return to index of stories... |
Buried Treasure made the news this week. We all watched as a Manchester man went NATIONAL with his tale that he and a buddy had found a stash of cash "buried" in the backyard of a home in Metheun, MA. It turns out that's not quite how it happened. Police believe they found the old bank notes in a house where they were doing roofing work and cooked up a story to make what they found look LEGITIMATE. Q Ah -- If it sounds too good to be true -- it usually is !! Still more individuals being implicated -- the plot thickens! Q They Might have gotten away with it -- had they NOT gone public with their story -- appearing on the Network morning shows. ** Valued at over 100-thousand dollars. A Hoax. They've been arrested and charged with Stealing. Their arrest interrupted their planned interview on ABC's 'Jimmy Kimmel Live" show. So -- forget about digging up your backyard -- or getting a metal detactor and scanning the property -- Finding Buried Treasure NOT likely to happen. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
My thanks to James Pindell, Edith Tucker and Mike Pomp. And, thank you for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. We'll see you next time. |
| SEA CONTRACT Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--State Workers State employees get raise, accept some changes in health coverage CONCORD - Governor John Lynch and the State Employees Association announced details of their tentative contract today. State employees would get two percent raises in July, January and next July. But they would pay more for medication and doctor's visits if the contract is approved. Lynch called the contract proposal fair and fiscally responsible. It's expected to cost the state about 27 million over the next two years. It still has to be approved by state workers and the Legislature. AP-NY-04-28-05 1253EDT If the Legislature approves it, state employees could soon have a new contract after going without one since 2003. Negotiators agreed to a draft agreement on Friday. State workers will get a chance to look at the plan after union leaders review it today. CONCORD, N.H. - It looks like New Hampshire's 12-thousand state employees could soon have a new contract. Negotiators for the state and union agreed on a draft agreement last Friday. State employees will get a chance to see details of the two-year deal after union leaders review it tonight. Their last contract expired in 2003. The new contract still has to be approved by the Legislature. It is expected cost between 27 million and 25 million dollars. An impasse over health care benefits nearly derailed negotiations after they began in January. But union President Gary Smith says he believes the new contract is a fair compromise, especially during a tight budget cycle. Both Call It a Fair and Responsible Agreement CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch and State Employees' Association President Gary Smith today announced a tentative state employee contract agreement. This would be the first contract for state employees since 2003 and their first raise since 2002. For it to become effective, members must ratify the contract, and the Legislature must vote to fund it. "This is a fair and fiscally responsible contract," Gov. Lynch said. "Our dedicated state employees have gone without raises since 2002. This contract provides them with the wage increases they deserve. In addition, our state employees recognized the impact of the rising cost of state health insurance and agreed to work with the state to reduce health insurance costs. "I thank the members of the state and the state employees' negotiating teams for their hard work," Gov. Lynch said. "This agreement is great recognition and reward for the 12,000 state employees who have been providing the quality public services New Hampshire needs and deserves every day," said Gary Smith, SEA President. "The contract represents a fair and responsible agreement given the constraints to the two-year budget," said President Smith. "We thank Governor Lynch for recognizing the contributions state employees provide to keeping New Hampshire great." Highlights the tentative agreement include: * Salary increases of 2 percent on July 1, 2005, 2 percent on Jan. 1, 2006, and 2 percent on July 1, 2006 * An increase in longevity payments from $200 to $300 * Increased shift differential for second and third shifts * Co-pays for doctor's office visits * Increase in prescription drug co-payments. Out-of-Pocket expenses for prescription drugs will be capped at $500 for individual and $1,000 for a family per year. * State employees who choose a Point-of-Service Plan will pay 50% of the difference between the cost of the point-of-service plan and HMO coverage during the term of the contract. They will pay 100% of the difference at the end of the two-year contract period. Employees currently enrolled in the Point-of-Service Plan will be able to switch to the HMO plan if they choose. * Orthodontia coverage at 50 percent, lifetime maximum of $1,200, will be added to the dental policy. * Term-life insurance for state employees will increase from $10,000 to $20,000. The estimated cost of the contract is $27 million in general funds during the next biennium budget. # # # |
| school funding Return to index of stories... |
achieve SCHOOL FUNDING Education plan would treat state as one school district amsavbstfls CONCORD, N.H. - Manchester Senator Ted Gatsas is suggesting to treat New Hampshire as one school district to come up with an education funding plan. The House considered about a dozen versions before adopting one plan and handing it off to the Senate. Meanwhile, Gatsas has come up with a proposal that starts by adding up all the state's property wealth and dividing it by all the pupils in the state. It sets a statewide benchmark for what should be raised for education per pupil and helps towns with smaller tax bases to achieve that goal. It also sends targeted aid for districts with extra costs for special education and other expenses and maintains the state property tax. |
| Tonight at 10 Promo Return to index of stories... |
Monday on New Hampshire Outlook: We check in with New Hampshire Congressman Jeb Bradley about the progress and pitfalls of the 109th congress. Join us Monday at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. ================================== Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook: We check in with New Hampshire Congressman Jeb Bradley about the progress and pitfalls of the 109th congress. Join us Tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| Romney Return to index of stories... |
In a move signaling that Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney could be serious about running for president in 2008, his office could announce as early as today that the New Hampshire state director for President Bush’s re-election campaign will be his new press secretary. Weld |
| Weld/NY Governor Return to index of stories... |
AP-MA--Weld-NY Governor Weld confirms interest in New York governor ALBANY, N.Y. - The former governor of the Bay State thinks his political future may be in the Empire State. William Weld confirms to the Associated Press in Albany that he's seriously considering running for governor of New York if fellow Republican Governor George Pataki doesn't seek a fourth term next year. He also says he'd step aside if former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani decided to run for governor. Weld was governor of Massachusetts from 1990 to 1996. But he grew up on Long Island and is currently a partner in a private equity investment firm based in New York City. The only person in U-S history to serve as governor of two states was Sam Houston. He was the governor of Tennessee from 1827 to 1829 and of Texas from 1859 to 1861. Former Bay State Gov. William F. Weld yesterday declared he's ``seriously'' eyeing the New York governorship - if only to clean up all the ``mistakes'' he made on Beacon Hill. ``This way I'll get a chance to correct the mistakes I made in Massachusetts,'' Weld joked to the Herald by phone from Louisville, Ky., where he's renting a horse farm and looking forward to enjoying the Kentucky Derby. Weld, who made headlines as Massachusetts governor by diving into the Charles River, said he would consider making a similar plunge in New York's East River, but was quick to note, ``It's actually an estuary. Most people don't know that.'' Most New York voters don't know the Long Island-born Weld from the East River, either. Weld moved back to New York five years ago to work in a private equity firm. Weld said he does not expect to make a decision about running in New York until this fall - and only if New York Gov. George Pataki does not seek a fourth term. ``It's a fall, late fall thing for me,'' Weld said. ``It's not a May-June thing. I'm on a later timetable than some people seem to think.'' Weld has not formed an exploratory team yet, either. But he expressed confidence he could give popular New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer a tough race for governor. Weld associates said he's ``intrigued'' by the idea of making history as only the second American to be governor of two states. Sam Houston was governor of Tennessee and then Texas back in the 1800s. |
| Sunapee Secession Return to index of stories... |
SUNAPEE-SECESSION Sunapee looking to secede from county klmwntk SUNAPEE, N.H. - The town of Sunapee has decided pursue legislation that will allow it to succeed from Sullivan County. Town Manager Donna Nashawaty says the town Selectboard and attorney met privately last night to discuss Sunapee's options in handling what it calls an excessive and disproportionate tax burden. Town officials say they use only two percent of the county's services while footing roughly 25 percent of the taxes. Furthermore, they say, the town only constitutes nine percent of Sullivan County's population. Nashawaty says the board plans to ask the Legislature to consider a bill that will let Sunapee join Merrimack County. --- |
| shahee/ Weld NY Return to index of stories... |
sshaheen AP-MA--Weld-NY Governor Weld confirms interest in New York governor ALBANY, N.Y. - The former governor of the Bay State thinks his political future may be in the Empire State. William Weld confirms to the Associated Press in Albany that he's seriously considering running for governor of New York if fellow Republican Governor George Pataki doesn't seek a fourth term next year. He also says he'd step aside if former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani decided to run for governor. Weld was governor of Massachusetts from 1990 to 1996. But he grew up on Long Island and is currently a partner in a private equity investment firm based in New York City. The only person in U-S history to serve as governor of two states was Sam Houston. He was the governor of Tennessee from 1827 to 1829 and of Texas from 1859 to 1861. AP-NY-04-26-05 1058EDT |
| budget Return to index of stories... |
BUDGET Senate reworking House budget amsavbstfls CONCORD, N.H. - The Senate Finance Committee has been hearing from people and groups asking to restore money to the state budget. Senators yesterday heard from many people concerned about spending for services to the mentally ill and disabled and the land preservation program. Others argued the Legislature did taxpayers no favors when it shifted costs to county and local levels instead of finding new ways to raise revenues. The House budget spends about two-point-seven--billion dollars. But it's about 93 million dollars short of what Governor John Lynch proposed. The Senate now is working to reconcile requests with expected revenues. CONCORD, N.H. - The Senate Finance Committee has been hearing from people and groups asking to restore money to the state budget. The House budget now in the Senate's hands spends about two-point-seven--billion dollars. But it's about 93 million dollars short of what Governor John Lynch proposed. AP-NY-04-26-05 0216EDT |
| treasure Return to index of stories... |
METHUEN, Mass. - Two men who claimed they found buried treasure in the back yard of a home in Methuen have been arrested. Police Chief Joseph Solomon tells A-B-C's Good Morning America that investigators believe Barry Billcliff and and Tim Crebase found the old bank notes and bills in a house where they were doing roofing work. Solomon says the men probably "cooked up a scheme" to make the find look legitimate so they could keep the money. |
| key:state politics/government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/29/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. This week we learned a former New Hampshire Governor is Harvard bound while a former President was Manchester bound. We also saw a show of support for the Shipyard, a tug of war over election ballots, and let's not forget the state budget. It's certainly been an eventful week and here to talk about. The state budget is now in the hands of the Senate finance committee which got an earful this week from those who want the Senate to restore funding for land preservation, as well as services for the disabled and mentally ill. One father from Nashua spoke out about the importance of funding for programs which helped his son who suffers from bi-polar disorder. Governor Lynch met this week with state Economic Development Commissioner Sean O'Kane to talk about the proposed expansion of the Mount Sunapee ski resort. O'Kane is considering a request to expand the state-owned ski area by 175 acres. The resorts managers want to connect the land that they lease from the state to private land where they hope to build condos. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat, Mike Pomp\News Director |
| key:economy/business Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/29/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. This week we learned a former New Hampshire Governor is Harvard bound while a former President was Manchester bound. We also saw a show of support for the Shipyard, a tug of war over election ballots, and let's not forget the state budget. It's certainly been an eventful week and here to talk about. The state budget is now in the hands of the Senate finance committee which got an earful this week from those who want the Senate to restore funding for land preservation, as well as services for the disabled and mentally ill. One father from Nashua spoke out about the importance of funding for programs which helped his son who suffers from bi-polar disorder. Yet another expense to add to the Budget List. State Employee Raises. A tentative deal on a new contract was reached this week. It calls for raises in exchange for higher out-of pocket costs for Health insurance. Membership has yet to weigh in. They vote over the next 2 weeks. So, Where's the Money going to come from? Well, that's the 27 million dollar question. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat, Mike Pomp\News Director |
| key:national politics and government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/29/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes Keeping NH's primary first is an ongoing battle for the state. On Thursday former President Bill Clinton weighed in during a stop in Manchester to promote his book. As Clinton signed his auto-biography, which came out last year, he reminisced about his NH campaign in 19-92 and how he owes the people of this state an enormous debt. Mr. Clinton said the state's primary should "stay" as the lead-off presidential contest. Some have suggested in 19-95 President Clinton exerted pressure on the Base Closure commisison to spare the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard the New Hampshire primary race was underway at the time. The Shipyard is considered to be vulnerable again. Supporters held a rolling rally last Saturday to drum up support for the yard. In February a NH group visiting Washington sent a clear message to presidential candidates suggesting the facility's closure could hurt the "chances" of anyone who runs for president in 2008. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat, Mike Pomp\News Director |
| key:state politics/government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/29/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes Keeping NH's primary first is an ongoing battle for the state. On Thursday former President Bill Clinton weighed in during a stop in Manchester to promote his book. As Clinton signed his auto-biography, which came out last year, he reminisced about his NH campaign in 19-92 and how he owes the people of this state an enormous debt. Mr. Clinton said the state's primary should "stay" as the lead-off presidential contest. Some have suggested in 19-95 President Clinton exerted pressure on the Base Closure commisison to spare the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard the New Hampshire primary race was underway at the time. The Shipyard is considered to be vulnerable again. Supporters held a rolling rally last Saturday to drum up support for the yard. In February a NH group visiting Washington sent a clear message to presidential candidates suggesting the facility's closure could hurt the "chances" of anyone who runs for president in 2008. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat, Mike Pomp\News Director |
| key: UNH Return to index of stories... |
No UNH Stories |
| clinton Return to index of stories... |
MANCHESTER, N.H. - Fans of former President Bill Clinton are eagerly awaiting his arrival in Manchester today. Clinton will be at Barnes and Noble this morning to sign copies of his memoir, "My Life." Manchester police say about 60 people spent the night in the parking lot to be among the first in line, including 40-year-old Karen Doucet of Manchester, who arrived at nine-thirty p-m with her 13-year-old stepson, some chairs and a few umbrellas. She says she voted for Clinton, respects him and misses him. Neighboring businesses are getting in on the action by charging up to ten dollars per car for people looking for a parking space. BILL CLINTON Clinton coming to New Hampshire to promote book hmrbc MANCHESTER, N.H. - Fans of former President Bill Clinton are eagerly awaiting his arrival in Manchester today. Clinton will be at Barnes and Noble this morning to sign copies of his memoir, "My Life." Manchester police say about 60 people spent the night in the parking lot to be among the first in line, including 40-year-old Karen Doucet of Manchester, who arrived at nine-thirty p-m with her 13-year-old stepson, some chairs and a few umbrellas. She says she voted for Clinton, respects him and misses him. Neighboring businesses are getting in on the action by charging up to ten dollars per car for people looking for a parking space. |
| Post Show Log Return to index of stories... |
Friday, April 29, 2005: We started at 2:20pm. All the guests were in Durham this week. We had to add video to the first story after the show. we didn't take it because it started with a tight shot of a woman and it wasn't supposed to. All else went well. We recorded the promos and finished just before 3pm. Dirctor's Log: The show went great!! Because it was all in Durham, the guests were jumping in all the time which kept the pace up quite quickly. The camera crew did an excellent job not only keeping up with the quick changes but being one step ahead with different shots by anticipating who would talk next. Audio was just about perfect, we had tapes with some nats that were all over the place and he always kept it low at the same level. And of course, Sandy was her usual great self. A really good show!!! |
| trackand base Return to index of stories... |
would generate $200 million to $300 million in new state revenue. It also would provide an economic boost to the depressed northern county and help replace jobs recently lost in Salem, home of the Rockingham Park horse track. BELMONT, N.H. - The Lakes Region Greyhound Park in Belmont shut down yesterday, but it could be open for business again in as little as four to six weeks. The track's problems began in January, when two former managers were indicted on federal illegal gambling charges. The attorney general asked the state's Pari-mutuel Commission to revoke the track's license, although track owners deny any involvement in the alleged illegal gambling ring. Yesterday, a judge approved the sale of the track to Johnston Development, a company that represents a Lakes Region developer and the CEO of a hotel management company in Massachusetts. The company's winning bid was four-point-one million dollars. The track's spokesman says if the sale goes smoothly, the track could open again in a month or two. AP-NY-04-28-05 0820EDT |