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Iowa Lawmaker Wants Vote on Horse Racing

"The law requires Iowa's three racetracks with slot machines to put casino licenses to a vote every eight years. Track licenses, on the other hand, are renewed by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

"…Johnson's proposal, if introduced in the Iowa Legislature in January, would pit the rural horse industry in a public-relations war against the urban interests of Polk County, which owns the track. Both sides are locked in a struggle beyond 2002 for the millions of dollars that Prairie Meadows' slot machines generate.

"…Last year the track paid $13 million more in purses and pari-mutuel expenses than it took in from horse wagers. Casino profits made up the difference.

"That shortfall ultimately means less money for Polk County government and charities, which together will collect about $30.5 million from the track's operating company this year. Horse owners are scheduled to receive about $20 million.

"Polk County officials say the arrangement allows a small number of horse breeders and suppliers to wrest money away from public-works projects such as the Iowa Events Center. County Supervisor Robert Brownell said a double-referendum would allow the public to pick one side.

"…The Legislature first allowed horse and dog tracks to install slot machines in 1994, mainly to prop up the faltering racing industry. The Racing Association of Central Iowa, the nonprofit company that runs Prairie Meadows, said that impetus for the law obligates them to make horse owners and charities their priority.

"Still, racing officials acknowledge that separate referendums would give the public an opportunity to dump the horse trade.

"…Under Johnson's plan, the racing association could continue to operate Prairie Meadows casino even if the track referendum failed…"

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