Two Legislators Call for Foote to Resign

Two of the state’s most influential legislators have called for the resignation of Leonard Foote, executive secretary of the California Horse Racing Board, and his senior management staff.

In a letter addressed to board Chairman Les Liscom, Sen. Ken Maddy (R-Fresno) and Assemblyman Richard Floyd (D-Carson) expressed their “grave concern” regarding a “progressive deterioration in the functioning on the administration of (the CHRB) such that its very integrity is now in question.”

The letter was sent shortly after Floyd’s Government Organization Committee hearing last Wednesday, during which the operation of the racing board and its staff were severely criticized.

“The continuing inability of staff to grasp and resolve even the most elementary problems associated with equine drugging, the almost comic character of the board’s investigative and enforcement efforts, and gross defects and questionable practices in contract management are only partial evidence of the serious shortcomings besetting CHRB management,” the legislators wrote.

Liscom, whose term as chairman expires Dec. 31, acknowledged receipt of the letter.

“This is a very sensitive situation that deserves an intelligent and orderly response,” said Liscom, who will be succeeded as chairman by Henry Chavez.

“Obviously, though, I’m not in a position to take any action without coordinating with the new chairman.”

Maddy said the letter reflects increasing discontent within the legislature over controversies surrounding CHRB business during the last year.

Chief among Maddy’s complaints is the board’s handling of equine drug testing. Last February, Foote filed accusations against such noted trainers as Wayne Lukas and Lazaro Barrera for allegedly having horses test positive for cocaine. Three months later, Foote dropped the accusations on advice of the state attorney general’s office.

“I had heard that Foote was looking at early retirement, and perhaps because of that I was holding off being as harsh as I could have been,” said Maddy, who is chairman of the subcommittee on horse racing.

“But we’ve gotten to the point where it was obvious not enough action was being taken,” he added. “Changes have to be made.”

Foote could not be reached for comment. However, Commissioner Paul Deats, a former board chairman, reacted strongly to the criticism of Foote and his staff.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s a complete hatchet job,” Deats said.

“Len’s not perfect. Nobody is. But he is respected as one of the best and most competent executive secretaries throughout the country. I’m sure that any other jurisdiction would love to have him.”