I write to you today to request that you further limit the number of machines from 3,000 to 1,500.  I cannot believe that Virginia would have more slot machines than Kentucky to help the horse industry.   I have supported Colonial Downs in the past and am excited about going back with family and friends.  But you all need to truly take into account what this could mean for Virginia.  I know that the horse industry is slowly dying, so many other tracks around the country including Pimlico are in trouble. I understand that this is throwing the Virginia horsemen a life line, and I support it and I support the concept slot machines as well.  But you all need to be sure that local governments and the citizens are allowed to have input.  There are too many machines that could be placed anywhere.  We need to restrict that they are not found near schools and only be placed in areas that can support such an activity.  This means not putting them in impoverished areas in Richmond or around the state.   Please do what you can to lower the number of these machines further.  And I look forward to watching live horse racing again at the Downs soon! Christopher Ogle