Page 23 - The Game August 2006

Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper The Game, August 2006 23
HBPA Election Candidates 2006
HBPAAdministrativeOffices:135Queen’sPlateDrive,Suite370,Toronto,ON,M9W6V1 phone:416-747-5252
MEETYOUR HBPA ELECTION CANDIDATES
The upcoming HBPA election on September 5, 2006 will determine who will guide the destinies of Ontario’s horsemen for the next three years.
All members of the HBPA are urged to exercise their democratic right and vote for the directors of their choice. Voters will elect six candidates as Owner/Director and five to serve as Trainer/Director. When you receive your
election material, please remember the following:
Members may mark ballots with an X or a tick but please don’t sign or write your name on it.
Place your ballot in the unmarked envelope and seal it. Place that envelope into the return envelope marked “ballot”. This is the envelope on which you sign and print your name.
Mail your ballot early.
IT MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN
SEPTEMBER 5, 2006.
The results of the election will be formally announced
at the Annual General Meeting of the Association scheduled for Thursday, September 28, 2006.
Should you have any questions, please contact the HBPA’s Executive Director/Secretary Treasurer Nick Coukos at (416) 747-5252 or email ncoukos@hbpa.on.ca
The HBPA Election Owner Candidates
MICHAEL BARKOWSKI - Owner
My background includes 26 years in the insurance business in various technical, management and administrative positions. I have a Business Administrative degree from Northern Michigan University.
I feel it’s extremely important to work with all organizations (WEG, NORDIC, GOVERNMENT) to make certain we have 2 strong thoroughbred racetracks in the province.
If re-elected, at Woodbine, I will work to make sure we are an integral part of the planning process for all future programs.
At Fort Erie, I’m currently working with NORDIC to develop a racing program that protects the interests of HBPA members in an increasingly competitive gaming environment.
MAX BERKETA - Owner
Retired school principal who served at the executive level as president of both district teacher and principal associations and was also director of two corporations listed on the TSX-Venture exchange.
I have been an active thoroughbred owner since 1970 and have raced and won on the Ontario circuit as well as at Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park and D.R.C.
My affection for horses along with the friendly track atmosphere keeps me enthusiastically motivated to pursue this position.
I am completely familiar with the multitude of problems facing owners and feel I can be an asset to our association and obtain positive results.
WILLIAM (BILL) DIAMANT - Owner
A former executive, I have turned a lifetime love of our industry into a fulltime enterprise, and am actively involved in breeding, racing and sales along with my wife, Vicki Pappas.
As a current member of the H.B.P.A. board, I am proud of the progress we have made over the past three years, building a new dormitory at Woodbine and a sand ring in Fort Erie plus instituting new office procedures which address the magnitude of our accountability to horsemen.
If reelected, I will work to build strong relationships with other industry stakeholders to ensure Ontario racing’s continued health and growth.
GERRY BELANGER - Owner
My life in thoroughbred racing began at Fort Erie racetrack fifty years ago. First a hot walker, groom, coffee truck driver, jockey’s agent, bloodstock agent, racing talk show host, TV racing color man, farm manager, stakes winning breeder, racing manager, Sovereign Award winning trainer, Sovereign Award winning owner and now a part owner of several horses and including the good Ontario sired SW Bad Hat.
Presently a Director of the HBPA, I have an understanding of the many very difficult issues that are now challenging our industry and would like to continue with my help. Please give me your vote and I will do my best.
CONRAD COHEN - Owner
Owner-trainer, 40 years (retired).
Tirelessly works for horsepeople and the betterment of racing:
• President, HBPA (Ontario), (2003-2006).
• Vice-President, 12 years
• Vice-President (Canada)
• Executive Member, National HBPA (USA) • OHRIA, Director
• Committees: Rules and Medication (Chair); WEG Liaison; Fort Erie Advisory; Equine Guelph Advisory Council; ORC Medication Task Force; Backstretch; Bio-Security Horse Health
Represents members at hearings before Stewards and Commission Spearheaded re-introduction into Canada of “Lasix”.
Strong advocate for:
Split sample at source testing
Quantitative threshold level testing for therapeutic medications
Fair Industry Taxation
Backstretch security cameras
LongRun
CARD
“Completed Commission Equine Medical Course”, University of Kentucky.
LYNNE HINDMARSH - Owner
Having been nominated to run again as a director of the HBPA, and being an owner and breeder for over 35 years, I would like the opportunity to serve for another term. Under the guidance of Nick Coukos the present board has developed a good working relationship with Woodbine Entertainment working towards the betterment of racing, and the many everyday problems facing the backstretch community.
I have enjoyed the last three years; is has been a great experience. There are many challenges ahead for racing and a strong board is needed to keep our racing alive and well.
Let Your Vote Be Counted - Mail Your Ballots Early
For More Information or
If You Did Not Receive a Ballot Contact the HBPA Administration Office at 416-747-5252