Panel will examine horse racing industry

Gov. Jon Corzine has signed an executive order creating the Governor's Commission on the Horse Racing Industry. The commission is to identify, assess and recommend possible funding solutions for horse racing meets after 2010 and propose long-term funding solutions that will promote the future sustained viability of the horse racing industry in New Jersey.

"The horse racing industry plays an important role in New Jersey, from preserving open space to attracting visitors to our state," Corzine said in a press release. "I have named representatives from the horse racing and casino industries to the commission because it is essential for the gaming industry to work together to find a longterm funding solution that will allow both racing and casino gaming to thrive in New Jersey."

The commission has 15 members who will serve without compensation. Corzine named Robert Bildner as chair of the commission. He also appointed Thomas Luchento, president of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association, Summit Mayor Jordan Glatt, Dennis A. Drazin,

president of the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Mark Juliano of Trump Hotels, and David Satz of Harrah's. In addition, Corzine named five executives from state government to the commission: the chief executive officer of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, Dennis R. Robinson;

executive director of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Thomas Carver; the state treasurer, David Rosseau; the chief of the Office of Economic Growth, Jerry L. Zaro; and the executive director of the Economic Development Authority, Caren S. Franzini.

The president of the Senate will appoint one member of the Senate and one public member to serve on the commission, and the speaker of the Assembly will appoint one Assembly and one public member.