Four weeks removed from his well-received fundraising event at Mohawk Racetrack, Guelph PC candidate and driver Anthony MacDonald is not showing any signs of easing up on the political throttle.
"If we stop trying to get through to the vast majority of people who have their heads in the sand, we all lose forever," stated MacDonald, who is trying to build on that momentum in the face of what could be upcoming Ontario election.
Nearly 200 people attended the fund raiser, as MacDonald was joined by PC party members Lisa MacLeod and Lisa Thompson who addressed and answered questions from concerned Ontarians.
"Events like the one at Mohawk are important steps for our industry to realize the importance of communication with the government," noted trainer Travis Umphrey. "We all need to work together to achieve not just our goals but our future, a future for us and the next generation in the industry we all love."
Umphrey was not alone in praising the event.
"I was pleased to see so many members of the standardbred community out and in support of Anthony," said WEG's Jamie Martin. "He will continue to the need that support in the coming weeks. Anthony deserves tremendous credit for taking the courageous step of entering political life."
MacDonald's efforts were also supported by members outside of the harness racing industry.
"We need to get this industry working together, as one, to secure a future for us all. Each and every one of the 50,000 people employed and their families and friends need to show how large this industry is and how very close we are to losing it, our jobs, our horses and our farms," said Bob Broadstock, President of the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario Inc.
"Educate everyone you meet, educate our politicians and when the time comes band together as 50,000 Ontario horsepeople and show the media that we will not go down without a fight."
In 2012, Ontario's horse racing industry was blindsided by a Liberal government decision to end a successful partnership with horse racing for a modernization strategy that has been met less-than-enthusiastically across the province.
"The secrecy of all ongoing negotiations between racetracks, OLG and government gives me no idea where the industry is headed," said Harry Rutherford. "As a breeder I'm struggling to operate in the dark after already having had a devastating year in 2012. The government, in my eyes, chooses to placate us with words insinuating the horse industry will be supported but so far no valuable action has been taken.
"While the talking goes on our industry is heading for a free fall. We live in a democratic society but we're seemingly ruled by the dictator Paul Godfrey and his OLG conspirators."
The future is still unknown for the racing industry, with many details for life post-SARP still to be finalized.
"It is now up to all of us to rethink about how we are all affected and be pro-active and wise in dealing with the way we deal with government going forward," said driver Paul MacDonell. "Last year's events by our incompetent government has sure opened our eyes as to how fatal one decision can be."
I was pleased to attend the
I was pleased to attend the fundraiser for Anthony MacDonald and I must congratulate everyone in attendance for understanding the immense task Anthony faces. May I also extend my thanks to all that attended and supported the cause. Jody did a great job as the MC. The GTA racing fraternity is very large and most are quite concerned about the future and rightfully so. As an owner, my partners all supported Anthony but I must say 200 people doesn't demonstrate an industry crisis and I would suggest every driver, trainer, groom, breeder ( a few from each group made the effort) and industry representatives need to show Anthony they are serious about their plight. One person cannot carry the message for all and more importantly should not be expected to carry the financial burden to get elected to give all of us a voice at the caucus table and a fighting chance. May I be so brash as to suggest from this day forward supporting Anthony MacDonald, the P C Party and his need to fundraiser is an industry objective, not a wait and see attitude. I was proud to be in the crowd, impressed by the support of people in the crowd, touched by the speech delivered by Anthony and his passion for the entire industry. I was only disappointed that many have decided that someone else will win my battle for me whilst I worry about my future and if we lose I will be mad as hell that we lost a battle I never fought. So when you next talk about Anthony, ask how can I help? Write a letter, canvass, make a donation? Doing nothing is no longer an option. Congrats again to Anthony and rest assured there is a group behind you and don't get discouraged knowing that after April 1, many will be wishing for more Anthony MacDonald's.
Why would a young fellow like
Why would a young fellow like Anthony MacDonald want to get into politics UNLESS he thinks he can make a difference. He does very well at the business he's in presently BUT is willing to sacrifice that for the betterment of a secure future.
We all must support this cause and help Anthony in any way possible. Eventhough I can't be there I will certainly help in a financial manner for his election.
Knowing the family fairly well, I can assure anyone reading this, that he gets his GRIT from his Dad Fred. The old saying is " The apple doesn't fall far from the Tree ". This statement couldn't be any truer if you knew the MacDonald family. Voters in Ontario , for the sake of secure futures DO NOT allow Godfrey and his band of Money grabbers let this happen.
The problem is not with Paul
The problem is not with Paul Godfrey and his OLG conspirators. Let them open casinos everywhere, if they can. The problem is with the government and some of the race track owners. This is the situation that we have to deal with.
As an individual I have
As an individual I have previously given my support to Lisa, one of the few politicians I trust. Due to the unending attack on our industry we*re all seeing our occupations and funding eroding big time. We all have to defend democracy in our own ways! There are many appeals for our limited funds so we must decide what we can afford or not. In my own case I will send assistance to Anthony when an election is called! Good luck to any candidate running to rid my homeland of deceit, poverty, corruption and unemployment!
My family was at Anthony's
My family was at Anthony's fundraiser at Mowhawk and I think that there should have been many, many more of us there. People still aren't getting it . They feel that this government will not destroy our industry. Guess what! They will and are. Kathleen Wynne is no different then the others. Anthony is making a life changing decision. He realizes that we must do something fast. Let's get moving people. Time is running out for us.