FGA Holds 23rd Annual Meeting

After several years of legislative disappointments, members of the Florida Greyhound Association celebrated their recent victory during the 23rd Annual Meeting of the group on May 19, 1996 in Orange Park, Fl.

FGA President Michael Labun opened the meeting with "How Sweet it is!", He then welcomed NGA President Dutch Koerner and NGA Executive Director Gary Guccione and thanked them for attending the function.

Following the introductions, State Rep. Randy Mackey of Lake City, Florida was introduced. Rep. Mackey has been the point man for the FGA and NGA in Florida. This year he served as Subcommittee Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee on General Government. All pari-mutuel legislation had to go through his committee. This alone was a strong reminder to both the greyhound tracks and to the other legislative participants to treat the greyhound men and women fairly.

Rep. Mackey told the group that he had all the respect in the world fro the greyhound farmers and breeders in this state. He reminded all that he came from a family of farmers and knew the work involved in raising animals.

He urged those attending to not stop working now that some progress was made.

"There is much more to do here in Florida for greyhound racing," he stated. "Please don't quit now."

He assured all present that he would be in there slugging away for what he feels is a fairness issue and complimented the FGA and NGA leadership for its dedication and commitment to the sport.

A full legislative report was then given by FGA/NGA Chief Lobbyist Jack Cory. Mr. Cory thanked Rep. Mackey for his support and also praised the work of State Rep. Steven Geller of Hallandale. Rep. Geller was the chairman of the House Regulated Industries Committee, who together with his staff engineered CS HB 337 and with the assistance of Senator Roberto Casas of Hialeah, chairman of the Senate Regulated INdustries Committee, managed to steer the Bill through both the House and the Senate.

Tribute was also paid to Senator W.D. Childers of Pensacola. Sen. Childers filed a Senate Bill identical to last year's Bill and secured 32  Senators from the 40 member senate to co-sponsor this Bill for Greyhound Tax Relief. Mr. Cory remarked, "Sen. Childers represented the Greyhound people and held on stronger than any legislator I have ever seen." He added that Sen. Childers repeatedly stated in open public meetings that the Greyhound breeders in his area "would not be hurt this year."