Elmont, NY - March 26th, 2016 - Today, Assemblyman and former federal prosecutor Todd Kaminsky joined Nassau County residents, elected officials and community leaders against proposed video lottery terminals (VLT) at Belmont Park. Kaminsky is running to replace Dean Skelos in the New York State Senate in a Special Election on April 19th.

Kaminsky strongly opposes the Nassau Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation’s proposal to install 1,000 video lottery terminal machines in a new 100,000 sq. ft. development at Belmont. The estimated cost of the proposed project is $75 million.

It would need the approval of the State Legislature because it would be constructed on public land. Like other pressing community issues, Kaminsky’s opponent, Chris McGrath, has remained eerily silent as he continues to ignore the concerns of Belmont’s neighbors.

“We cannot sit idly while unneeded VLT gaming threatens our quality of life and the well-being of our community,” said Kaminsky. “This misguided plan threatens the value of hard-working families’ homes, the streets our kids walk to school on, and the neighborhoods we love. I’m proud to stand up with so many community leaders and oppose this ill-conceived plan because this community deserves better than getting this shoved down their throats.”

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages added: "A VLT Parlor is a regressive tax on Long Islanders surrounding Belmont Park. Degrading these families simply to fill a budget hole is irresponsible. I commend Todd Kaminsky for joining us in the fight for viable economic development on Long Island as well as making his voice heard on behalf of Nassau County residents.”

Floral Park Mayor Thomas Tweedy said, “I stood with Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Assembly Todd Kaminsky, Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages and City Councilman Barry Grodenchik in joining many others at all levels of government in opposing a VLT casino at Belmont.  All in attendance appreciated Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky for taking a stance and standing with his local constituents”

Newsday has reported that Republican Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano is “relying on $20 million in casino revenue to balance his 2016 budget”, and the project has the support of the Republican Majority in the Nassau County Legislature. Kaminsky’s opponent, Chris McGrath, has refused to mention the issue at all during the campaign, and is remaining silent--even as the legislature prepares to either approve to disapprove the plan.

About Todd Kaminsky
Assemblyman Kaminsky has spent his career fighting for Long Island families and working to end government corruption. As a federal prosecutor representing Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens, and as acting deputy chief of the Public Integrity Section, Todd took down corrupt elected officials, drug kingpins and other major felons.

In 2014, Todd was elected to represent the South Shore in the New York State Assembly. During his first term, Todd fought for and won ethics reforms, tax breaks, aid for Sandy victims, and a new emergency center at South Nassau Communities Hospital. Todd authored the most laws by a first-year assemblymember in recent New York State history.