Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today announced the formation of a volunteer group of four former state lottery directors to provide recommendations for the implementation of video lottery terminals in Ohio’s seven horse racetracks.

“I am grateful that these former lottery directors have agreed to bring their collective knowledge and experience to bear on the state’s efforts to implement video lottery terminals at the state’s seven racetracks,” Strickland said. “They will work seamlessly with the Ohio Lottery Commission and executive director Mike Dolan to provide advice and recommendations on the installation and operation of VLTs.”

The advisory group will be led by Thomas Chema, former lottery director under Governor Dick Celeste and the current president of Hiram College.

“My colleagues and I are pleased to be of assistance to the governor and Lottery as it takes on this new challenge,” Chema said. “Each of us has enjoyed our tenure with the Ohio Lottery Commission, and we are anxious to assist Director Dolan and his staff in efficiently and effectively implementing VLTs.”

The four-member advisory group, which met informally for the first time Monday, will provide advice and recommendations to the Ohio Lottery Commission and executive director Mike Dolan in line with the governor’s directive and the legislature’s authorization of VLTs. The group will examine a timeline, responsibility chart and key strategies for implementation over the next 11 months, including application and licensing, limitations on the number and location of facilities, conflict avoidance and ethics issues, procurement of vendor services, security and other procedural issues.

The members will also advise the Lottery in working with the Joint Commission on Agency Rule Review (JCARR).

In addition to Chema, members include:

·         Tom Hayes, Ohio Lottery Commission Executive Director under Governor Bob Taft; Currently retired, part-time consultant;

·         Mitchell Brown, Ohio Lottery Commission Executive Director under Governor George Voinovich; Currently the City of Columbus Public Safety Director; and

·         Ronald Nabakowski, Ohio Lottery Commission Executive Director under Governor Dick Celeste; Currently Lorain County Clerk of Court of Common Pleas