Letter to the Editor: Getting a Hoofhold

To the Editor:

A goodly number of Old Town residents continue to be amazed and amused by the diverse ways this little town on the Potomac is being touted as a vital adjunct of the growing gambling cooperative across the river. Last year the mayor was courted by a group of gambling investors in D.C. and now, the latest foray—following on to National Harbor being ballyhooed as a world class attraction—is horse racing.

This past Saturday, a local riverfront restaurant went to the ponies with a special backroom promotion featuring 90NorthRacing, a fledgling flat-racing syndicate that as its flier says “let’s you share in horse ownership and every facet of its excitement.” We wonder if the eatery is seriously jockeying for position as a nascent gambling venue by adding such discreet off-track promos to their large flat screens and banks of over-the-bar TVs?

It is already successful as a booming liquor purveyor. However, being a one-stop pleasure place is not a bad idea in a down economy, and if the money is there…well, as they said about the celebrated race horse Poco Lena…the head of a princess and the rump of a washerwoman. Virtue is beautiful to regard, but it seems we’re being treated to the whiff of a rump, which evokes the sly invasion of sex shops on King Street.

While privately held businesses, especially those protected from public view like LLCs, have a lot of leeway, it’s probably a good idea to keep in mind what Maryland’s governor Martin O’Malley was recently quoted as telling a group of journalists  --- “gambling is a piss poor way to advance the common good.”

On the other hand, as reported in the Alexandria Times, O’Malley will probably hold a special session to address casinos at National Harbor. If that installation goes ahead – Alexandria’s City Hall officials will visit Prince George's County leaders to “learn more about it” said Deputy City Manager Mark Jinks. Given City Hall’s relentless pursuit of a buck, we sincerely hope we can remain a town of authentic, unique and breathtaking charm. As for now, the rules on betting in Virginia are strictly and comprehensively laid out, and Richmond has been alerted to the odor of hay in Old Town.

Sincerely,

Mark Mueller and Kathryn Papp