BISMARCK - Some western North Dakota horsemen complained to legislators Thursday that they feel shut out of the state Racing Commission's business and argued for a change in law that would put people involved in horse racing on the commission.
They testified on House Bill 1180 before the House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee.
"We've got a problem on the board in appointing people on the board who have no background" in racing or horses," said Randy Schwartz of Dickinson.
"We don't always get fair representation and we don't always get our point across," said John Bubel of Center.
But Racing Director Randy Blaseg and two racing commissioners explained why the existing law should remain in place.
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State law requires the governor to appoint only people who have no financial interest in racing. It's meant to exclude horse breeders or trainers who could benefit from the commissioners' decisions in making annual grants to horsemen from its breeders fund and purse fund.
Several horsemen's groups representing quarter horse breeders and thoroughbred breeders submit names to the governor for possible appointment to the commission. Current Commission Chairman Jim Arthaud of Belfield was nominated that way. Other commissioners are appointed at large.
Arthaud said the commission in the past year set up a horsemen's advisory council to the board, but Blaseg said it had never made a timely request to be on the commission's agenda.
Blaseg also said other states' racing commissions are appointed with no input from horsemen's groups and have been in existence longer than North Dakota's commission.
Thursday's hearing was a continuation of a proceeding that the House committee had begun a week before. The committee rescheduled it to allow more time for bill sponsors and others interested in the bill.
The legislators took no immediate action.
Cole works for Forum Communications Co., which owns The Forum. She can be reached at (701) 224-0830 or forumcap@btinet.net
