AUGUSTA (AP) – Gov. John Baldacci and eight leaders of the Legislature on Friday signed off on a letter to a variety of players in the state’s racino debate, vowing to amend retroactively the citizen initiative approved by voters in November to allow slot machine gambling at harness racing tracks.

“While legislative leadership and the governor intend to abide by the will of the public, we do not believe that the regulatory oversight, licensing and other provisions of the initiated bill protect the public health, welfare or safety of the state of Maine,” the governor and lawmakers wrote.

“Amending, repealing or altering an initiated bill is not trivial for public officials,” they wrote. “However, we believe that the initiated bill must be enhanced to protect the interest of the people of the state of Maine.”

Meanwhile, the company that has a contract to open a racino in Bangor said it would not seek to open until Feb. 23.

Shawn Scott, owner of Capital Seven LLC, expressed “grave” concerns about any delay in operations, but said his firm hoped to work with state officials to bring forth the benefits of new revenue for the state as soon as possible.

In his statement, Scott also said he looks forward to a Harness Racing Commission hearing next week and plans to offer an “honest and direct presentation” of his resume and Capital Seven’s goals in Bangor.

Capital Seven and Baldacci have been at odds on when the new slot machine law becomes effective.

The developer has maintained that the law should take effect Jan. 3. But Baldacci’s office asserts that the law will not become operative until 45 days after the Legislature convenes, which happens on Jan. 7.

Responding to Scott’s statement on Friday, Baldacci spokesman Lee Umphrey said: “The governor welcomes Capital Seven’s decision to comply with legal requirements. Maine needs time to create the appropriate oversight for slots and this takes away one unnecessary hurdle.”

On Wednesday, Baldacci outlined his goal of establishing a five-member Gambling Control Board to oversee slots, limit the number of machines allowed at tracks and ensure the state does not spend more regulating and policing slots than it gets back in slot revenues.

Details are still being refined.