March 2000 California Thoroughbred

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March 2000

Saying Goodbye to Racing's Main Man

    In January of 1999, California Thoroughbred published an article written by Robert Fox that chronicled the important legislative career of Ken Maddy. In that article, a number of Maddy's friends and peers spoke about Maddy's countless contributions to an industry he dearly loved. Following are excerpts from that Jan. 1999 article.
    "There truly is no one who has the knowledge, the ability, and the desire to motivate the racing industry to work together as Ken did. He will be missed by everyone."-Ralph Scurfield, chairman, Califronia Horse Racing Board.
    "In addition to being the longtime champion of racing causes, Maddy has served as sort of a conscience to the industry in terms of settling disputes and making it fairer for everyone. He has been the consummate arbitrator and consensus builder. Ken left a legacy by authoring significant legislation and by negotiating and working to pass other positive legislation authored by others. His success was unparalleled by anyone anywhere in the country."-Norm Towne, President, California Association of California Racetracks.
    "Losing Ken Maddy is like losing a Michael Jordan."-Jack Liebau, president, Bay Meadows Racetrack.
    "His countless contributions to the breeders sometimes overshadow the many other successful pieces of legislation, which have benefited the entire industry. At times his voice was one in the wilderness in Sacramento. But over the years he commanded such respect from his fellow legislators in all phases of state government that they trusted his recommendations on racing and hence we became the beneficiaries of this trust."-John Barr, president California Thoroughbred Breeders Association.
    "I have been involved in racetrack management for over 30 years and during that time I cannot think of a person who has done more for the racing industry than Ken Maddy. His intimate knowledge of this game combined with his respected position in government has time and time again led to racing's interest being successfully championed at the state level. His quick wit, ever present sense of humor and ability to keep perspective has put all factors of this business firmly behind him. A man of his character is seldom replaced."-Joe Harper, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
    "A lengthy tenure is the singular achievement of many elected officials. Ken Maddy is one of those special, very gifted public servants who would be worthy of high praise and special recognition no matter what his length of service.
    "From his earliest days in office, Ken Maddy was seen as a force. He has held key leadership positions, led major efforts to reform public policy, and was a trusted advisor to governors. Yet what is perhaps most appealing and impressive about this very bright, talented man is how he exercised power and authority. No matter how daunting the challenge, Ken always approached issues with objectivity, confidence, and composure. While a tough political combatant, he has a special gift of being able to reduce acrimony and build bipartisan coalitions that are the key to resolution or differences.
    "Ken Maddy is one of very few legislators who was very attentive to the needs of his district and constituents while playing a vital role on a larger stage from which he could influence broad areas of public policy.
    "While he earned an outstanding reputation as an effective leader, Ken is not one of those public figures whose strength and power was based on arrogance or denigration of others. His personal refinement and estimable record cannot conceal the fact that he is a very decent, humble, public-spirited man.
    "I am honored to follow him and will continue to work very hard to effectively represent the constituents of the 14th Senate District. But for anyone to claim favorable comparison to Ken Maddy would be the height of arrogance."-Sen. Charles Poochigian.