Call him Alfonse the Horse.
Nassau Off-Track Betting Corp. has given former Sen. Alfonse D’Amato a six-month, $48,000 lobbying contract to help the betting agency navigate the pending bidding war for control of New York’s tracks and the possible placement of video lottery terminals at local tracks such as Belmont. The D’Amato firm Park Strategies also employs Anthony Cancellieri, a former top aide to Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi.
The $315-million-a-year betting agency signed up the firm Dec. 13 for $8,000 a month with a 30-day cancellation clause. Dino Amoroso, Nassau OTB president, said D’Amato has been “very effective so far,” and he intends to extend the contract another six months when it expires in mid-June. That would bring the bill to $96,000 for the year.
Rick Brand
"We want to make sure we cover our flanks,” said Amoroso, noting D’Amato’s close ties to both legislative leaders in Albany. “This crosses Democratic and Republican lines and we want to make sure Nassau’s interests are protected no matter what plan goes forward.”
Jeff Casale, Suffolk OTB president, said D’Amato approached them as well, but no decision has been made. “He has spoken to me on several occasions on legislative issues and suggested he could effectively represent us as well as Nassau. I expect to have a further conversations next week.” D’Amato did not return calls.
Legis. Vivian Viloria Fisher (D-Seatuket) said, “I think it’s the worst idea in the world. How long are we have going to have Al D’Amato just slopping at the trough? Enough.”
Comments (1)
Every dollar that OTB gives out in salary and contracts is a dollar less that OTB gives to the county to reduce taxpayer burden. What a taxpayer ripoff. Privatize OTB.