Fixing Things Vol 1- NYRA

Somethings in life are just simply out of our control. Timing isn't always fortuitous and being in the right place at the right time seems to be as random as being in the wrong place at the wrong time. NYRA is unfortunately privy to these same unwritten rules of life as the rest of us but of course most of us aren't under the control of a strange, quasi-governmental board. There has been a lot of grumbling about the board, mostly because they don't seem to actually do anything of substance (outside of accepting letters of resignation) but as a friend of mine remarked the other day, "board of directors meetings are usually just rubber stamp sessions, the actual work is done far in advance of holding a meeting". So if the NYRA board is to be similar to typical boards and there is little evidence to believe the contrary, who is going to be doing that work that they will be rubber stamping? We know it won't be Ellen McClain who is leaving soon after tendering her resignation at the last meeting. I don't know her at all but unfortunately for her the connection to the old guard was probably too much to overcome. Timing isn't fortuitous for her.

Much was made of the seemingly paltry salary that NYRA is going to be placing on its CEO applicants plates. It is hard to disagree that the sum that they are offering is laughably small considering the job is one where it is close to impossible to succeed in especially considering the restraints in place and the expectation levels of the politicians that are actually pulling the strings here. Add in the uncertainty of the actual length of time that the contract for position can be offered for (supposedly NYRA will be reverting to private control in 2 1/2 years) and the harsh spotlight of the New York press which has used NYRA as a punching bag for years this position can generally be regarded as less than desirable for those candidates who are in secure situations.  This is an issue, a really big issue.

What NYRA needs in my opinion is a difference maker who not only wants the job but is willing to make big changes that may not be popular and in fact will most likely lead to a lot of second guessing. It needs someone who doesn't necessarily need the job for human nature doesn't allow many people to think big picture by taking unpopular stands in the face of putting groceries on his family's table. The person who takes the job needs to have a knowledge of racing's history and an understanding of NYRA's place as a leader in the horse racing industry. They must be willing to stand up to the establishment in both the boardroom and backside. Not being pushed around is a must when dealing with politicians and horsemen who generally both will take as much as possible without regard to the collateral damage they create.