WHEREAS, the Ruidoso Downs Race Track has been an integral part of the custom, culture and history of the Village of Ruidoso, Lincoln County and Southeast New Mexico for several decades since its opening in 1947 as the Hollywood Park; and

WHEREAS, the Ruidoso Downs Race Track during its 61 year history in the community has served as one of the State’s and Southeast New Mexico’s cornerstones for tourism, convention and visitors business development; and

WHEREAS, in 1999, Ruidoso Downs Race Track entered a new era with the opening of the Billy the Kid Casino in which racing fans and visitors may enjoy a variety of slot machines, Billy the Kid Bar and Grille, Billy’s race book and gift shop all created in the look of Billy the Kid; and

WHEREAS, wise public policy and judgment indicate that creating a new tax level for New Mexico’s smallest race tracks and casinos as recognized by the legislature in its consideration and approval of gaming compacts containing a lower rate of taxation for the smallest tribal casinos in the state; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature has determined that similar treatment and parity for small non-tribal gaming and race tracks benefits the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of New Mexico by its consideration of House Bill 484 in the 2007 Legislative Session and its unanimous passage by the House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS, due to the fact that the 2007 session of the Legislature was a short thirty day session, House Bill 484 died while under consideration by the New Mexico Senate; and

WHEREAS, the lack of parity is damaging to small race track and casino operations, upkeep and capitol improvements due to the disparate financial burden created thereby; and

WHEREAS, loss of business in these venues is detrimental and has a negative effect on the ability of all the communities in Southeast New Mexico and the State to attract tourism business and visitors to New Mexico; and
Village of Capitan
Resolution 2008-37
Page 2 of 2

WHEREAS, concomitantly with these effects, badly needed employment and jobs will be lost to all the communities of Southeast New Mexico;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE VILLAGE OF CAPITAN that the governing body wholeheartedly supports the request for equal statutory treatment for small gaming and race track operations such as the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino in order to protect the economic vitality of the enterprise and preserve its important historical and cultural contribution to the Ruidoso, the surrounding areas of Lincoln County and Southeast New Mexico.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE VILLAGE OF CAPITAN that this Resolution be presented to each member of the legislative delegation from Lincoln County, Governor Bill Richardson, Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, the Secretary of the Department of Taxation and Revenue, The Honorable Senator Pete Domenici, Representative Steve Pearce, and by mail to each member of the New Mexico House and Senate with the message of the Governing Body of the Village of Capitan that legislation creating the tax rate and creating parity receive their utmost consideration and support.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 7th day of October, 2008.


                        ______________________________________
                        Sammy Hammons, Mayor

ATTEST:


____________________________________
Kay Strickland, Village Clerk