N.Y. probing code officer who worked for racetrack Official maintains he was only consulting on safety

VERNON, N.Y. – The state racing board is investigating a town code officer who was moonlighting for the Vernon Downs harness track while inspecting the track’s casino building for the town.

Code Enforcement Officer Larry Sarandrea’s conduct already is being reviewed by town officials.

Sarandrea has said he was a consultant for the track, but not on the Miracle Isle casino being built by the track’s parent company, Mid-State Raceway Inc.

Track officials say the electronic gaming machines that will be featured at the casino could bring in $80 million a year. However, the casino cannot open until the track receives its state license to race horses, which remains pending as the track’s financial and management problems worsen.

On Monday, track president Hoolae Paoa turned over management of the track to racing director David Wilson while he appeals last week’s state Racing and Wagering Board’s decision to deny him a racing license.

Sarandrea said the track’s new management wanted to improve the safety of other buildings at Vernon Downs and turned to him for expertise. He maintains he did nothing wrong.

Track attorney Martin Gersten said Vernon Downs paid Sarandrea about $2,000 a month for several months to serve as a consultant. Sarandrea’s duties included making sure contractors building the casino complied with codes, Gersten said.

Board investigators visited the track last week to probe Sarandrea’s actions, The Post-Standard of Syracuse reported Wednesday.

Racing board spokeswoman Stacey Clifford said she could not give any details about the state’s investigation.

In Maine, where Shawn Scott wants to open a racetrack casino in Bangor, there was a similar flap when Scott hired a member of the state liquor and lottery commission to serve as a consultant.

Kathleen Newman denied that her actions were inappropriate but resigned nonetheless Tuesday.