Joe Drennan
Staff Writer

ìWe were very pleased with the ruling, but itís what we expected.î

So said North Metro Harness Initiative president Jim Druck this week responding to Minnesota Appellate Court Judge Renee L. Workeís ruling on March 28 that denied the Columbus Concerned Citizens suit against the Minnesota Racing Commissionís decision to reconsider granting the NMHI a Class A and B license.

Judge Worke denied the CCCís claim that the MRC violated state open meeting laws when two commission members conversed about the case via phone.

ìWhat the ruling demonstrated to us is what we believed all along, that the MRC demonstrated a careful process of listening to our position and all of those who opposed us and came to a good decision,î Druck said.

The decision stated that the CCC did not prove that the MRC exceeded its statutory authority or jurisdiction in reconsidering the initial decision to deny NMHI a Class A and B license.

ìOf course weíre disappointed with the decision,î CCC representative Don Steinke said.

ìWe had hoped and thought the ruling would come the other way, but it didnít and weíll have to live with that.î

Also in the judgeís decision it was stated that the MRC did not violate the CCCís right to due process of law because they were given reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard.

Finally it was noted that the MRCís final decision to approve a Class A and B license to NMHI was supported by substantial evidence.

ìWe are very hopeful and reasonably confident that weíll start construction this season,î Druck said.

An earlier lawsuit in the Ramsey County Court was also dismissed.

An appellate court judge will hear another CCC lawsuit April 20 that argues the MRC violated open meeting laws.

ìItís not over yet, and weíll keep fighting on,î Steinke said.

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