Statement from Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano

Mineola, NY - “The running of the 142nd Belmont Stakes on June 5, 2010 and the completion of the entire Belmont racing season is vitally important to Nassau County's economy.

Since day one, my top priority has been to help rebuild our economy and put people back to work.  That includes retaining every job at Belmont Park and those jobs created in the surrounding community because of the track.

As I promised to track workers last month at Belmont, I remain fully committed to protecting the thousands of jobs at the track and outside the gates of the racetrack.  For this reason, I fully support advancing capital funds already authorized for the racing industry to NYRA to ensure a complete racing season at Belmont.

Gambling with the future of Belmont jobs is one bet no one should be willing to take.”