King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer hosts Washington State House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan and Emerald Downs owner-president Ron Crockett for an informative session with south King County leaders

April 29, 2011

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House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan, Emerald Downs owner Ron Crockett are shown at this month’s “Good Eggs” breakfast, hosted by Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer (right) to bring south King County civic and business leaders together.”

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer hosted a breakfast meeting for south King County business and civic leaders with Washington State House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan and Emerald Downs owner-president Ron Crockett.

Representative Sullivan started off the meeting by speaking about the ongoing state budget deliberations in the Legislature. A 30 day special session has been called by Gov. Chris Gregoire in hopes of reaching a budget compromise. State lawmakers seek to write a budget that closes a projected $5 billion deficit. Rep. Sullivan then opened up the floor for questions and comments about the state budget and the special session.

The discussion then shifted to a presentation by Emerald Downs owner-president Ron Crockett about the positive impact the race track has on the local economy. It is estimated that the horse racing industry is worth over $300 million to Washington State’s economy. The amount of jobs Emerald Downs brings to south King County is substantial as the track has more than 600 people on its payroll. Looking towards the future, Mr. Crockett noted that the horse racing industry faces increased competition from tribal gaming and internet gambling.

“Ron Crockett is a visionary and philanthropist who has never forgotten the region he was born in and we have been the better for his investments in this county”, said Councilmember von Reichbauer.