Greyhound racing already is subsidized by the state of West Virginia to an extent that those involved in the vast majority of other businesses cannot even imagine. Why, then, is the state Racing Commission so eager to spend $2 million to provide even more help for the industry?
As we have reported previously, a state law passed in 2008 requires the commission to construct two tracks at which greyhounds can be trained. One would be in the northern area of the state, the other in the south.
But there has been controversy over the proposal - with some in the racing community saying the tracks are not needed.
This week the commission set up a panel to study the feasibility of constructing the tracks.
We have a better idea: Go back to legislators in January and ask them to rescind the 2008 law. We can find no compelling reason why the state should construct two training tracks of questionable value - but lots of arguments in favor of saving the state $2 million.