ALBANY — The controversial deal giving a lucrative Aqueduct casino contract to a politically connected firm stinks more than the stables at the faded Queens horse track, a new poll says.
Only 3 percent of state voters in the Siena College survey described Albany’s decision to award the multibillion-dollar contract to Aqueduct Entertainment Group as “fair and appropriate.”
Some 33 percent said they believe the pact was “politically motivated.” The remaining 64 percent were undecided.
The feds and the state Inspector General’s Office are investigating the controversial contract, which came days after an AEG investor and influential Queens kingmaker, the Rev. Floyd Flake, hinted he might endorse Gov. Paterson’s rival, Andrew Cuomo.
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said yesterday he was concerned that AEG would be unable to pony up the $300 million license fee for the project, which is being counted on to balance the state budget.
Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) said he won’t approve AEG while probes are pending.
“I think what’s important is that we know we are signing off on something that is appropriate — and if not, we’re not going to,” Silver said.