As a native Marylander with three generations of family rooted in Maryland racing, the claims of traffic, crime and family values at the Timonium simulcast club are just totally false. I have managed such facilities in three states and all they have done is to create jobs. Most of them have been in suburban communities like Timonium and most are in or adjacent to shopping centers. In Pennsylvania where I worked, like this facility it will be a club-like operation. In Phoenix, Arizona where I also managed, there are over 75 locations with a waiting list all in suburban neighborhoods and not once a complaint to close.

The McDonald’s on York Road will have more customers daily than the club, however the revenue generated will be far greater to the state, as it will help support the thousands of stakeholders who depend on Maryland’s rich racing history for their livelihoods.

Due to the varied racing schedules, customers will come and go throughout the day and there is no such time as a rush hour. Take a tour of any similar site elsewhere and you will find a crowd that is heavily professional and quite upscale. Those who choose to watch and wager on racing close to home reflect their neighborhoods. The best customers racing have are educated and invest in their vocation in the same manner as those who seriously play the stock market. You will find these customers with laptops full of software, charts, data and stats permeating their work area at the club.

Most importantly, the Maryland Jockey Club’s owner and management are investing heavily into making the state one of the prime racing centers in the country. While other businesses such as GM, Beth Steel, parts of Black and Decker, USFG and even Hecht’s have closed or moved elsewhere, Maryland racing is going the other way. While the state spends taxpayer money to keep McCormick and Marriott at home, the MJC has boldly taken steps to expand here.

The state hosted a superstar athlete, American Pharoah on the road to history last year at the Preakness, while millions around the world saw Baltimore in a festive and exciting light, just weeks after its darkest hour. Do not allow unsubstantiated fears to make the MJC reconsider its investment in racing and the jobs it will save and create.

Despite the very small space within the fairgrounds for this club, its impact looms very large. This is not a gateway to slots either as that was determined several years ago by the legislature. Even if slots were a consideration, you can be sure the existing casinos would never allow such competition.

Instead, this club is needed to offset the loss of customers and revenue from the casinos to support the future of racing.

No traffic, no big crowds, no crime and customers that reflect the neighborhood. These are the facts! Let’s embrace the rare opportunity to have corporate citizens like the MJC that have chosen Maryland to invest wisely. Let’s not lose any more colts.

I would personally welcome any questions based on my experiences at Stevenavin22@gmail.com.

Steve Kallens
Delray Beach, FL