Mall owners broke their silence on the debate and criticized county councilmen for wringing their hands.
Casino developer Cordish Cos. held a job fair, even though zoning approval for slots has not been secured, handing out postcards supporting the casino for the unemployed to mail to politicians.
In what appears to be the final stretch of the council's nearly nine-month zoning debate, pressure is mounting from unions, business leaders, political leaders and even friends urging councilmen to lean their...
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Despite all of this Rhetoric Below - 2009-11-26 15:31:45
I don't have an opinion on slot machine approval/disapproval but I do know one thing.
If a Full Blown Casino is put anywhere in this state the crime rate is going to go through the roof and like it or hate it our taxes are going to through the roof as well.
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Steve Gundersen - Annapolis, Md - Karma: Terrible
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slots - 2009-11-25 10:06:52
it seems that people just want to debate slots just to debate them. The truth is the measure was passed and although I don't like it, the public spoke. Let's move on!
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Keith Corbin - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral
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MD Constitutional Language - 2009-11-24 13:47:35
Actually, Keith, you missed this part in your cut and paste: "A video lottery facility shall comply with all applicable planning and zoning laws of the local jurisdiction."
Since there are no existing AA county zoning laws relating to casinos, the AA county residents now have their opportunity to decide where they want it to go, via the current zoning debate before the county council. We can state that we don't want it within X distance from residential areas, as well as other requirements.
You are correct that most people probably didn't read the actual language on the ballot, but relied all the TV and print ads indicating that voting for casinos would "save horseracing" and intimating that the casinos would be located at the racetrack.
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D S - Hanover, md - Karma: Neutral
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Ballot - 2009-11-24 13:29:27
Actually, the ballot was silent regarding particular requirements and zoning control. How many people that voted do you think actually looked at the bill and language that provided protections for the Baltimore location but none for Anne Arundel?
"Authorizes the State to issue up to five video lottery licenses for the primary purpose of raising revenue for education of children in public schools, prekindergarten through grade 12, public school construction and improvements, and construction of capital projects at community colleges and higher education institutions. No more than a total number of 15,000 video lottery terminals may be authorized in the State, and only one license may be issued for each specified location in Anne Arundel, Cecil, Worcester, and Allegany Counties, and Baltimore City. Any additional forms or expansion of commercial gaming in Maryland is prohibited, unless approved by a voter referendum."
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Local Zoning Control - 2009-11-24 11:06:29
Not only did people vote for 2 miles of Rt 295, they also voted for local zoning control, which was also in the referendum. We would not be debating this today if they did not. Slots supporters who cite the vote always seem not to mention that.
So, 58% of the people who voted for slots also voted for the Anne Arundel County Council to have the final say on this issue in Anne Arundel County.
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Rob - 2009-11-24 10:25:39
no one was duped, they were just not paying attention. There is a difference. The state was upfront with the plan.
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the vote - 2009-11-24 10:13:09
was about 58% to 41%, people voted for slots they never said they would be at racetracks, accept it. Within 2 miles of 295 is what it said. Just remember the Dems were the ones who got you on this, not the republicans.
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Pat Magnum - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad
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Mr. Masak - 2009-11-24 07:34:31
Because voters believed something does not mean that I, or my organization belived it. More importantly, I have never, ever called for slots at Laurel Park. They should be away from residential areas. The voters were obviously duped, and it is time to make sure that we deal with the cards we were dealt. I have said that since we have this lemon called slots we should make sure zoning concerns take priority over gaming interests and their desires to purportedly maximize revenue.
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Rob Annicelli - hanover, MD - Karma: Excellent
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How we got here - 2009-11-23 23:05:11
I appreciate Ms. Vitale's comments concerning the inappropriateness of placing slots at Arundel Mills Mall. Let's not forget that the council was deliberating the zoning legislation back in the summer when LEOPOLD PULLED back the bills. Why? To me the answer is pretty clear, he didn't have the votes to pass the zoning changes.
But the real culprit here is the VLF Commission. They have had the opportunity to ask for rebids for months for both Baltimore and Anne Arundel but have refused to do so. They hastily said "no" to the Laurel and Rocky Gap bids for lacking funding, but have provided much more leeway for the Baltimore bid. In my opinion the Baltimore bid is likely in trouble. If the Baltimore bid fails and Cordish doesn't get zoning approval, what would the VLF Commission have after nearly a full year? Two approved locations with 2300 slot machines out of 15000 authorized. Let's also not forget if Cordish were to receive approval Arundel Mills, there would be significant cannibalization of the Baltimore venue and make bids there much less attractive.
Also, if you add up the approved machines in the 2 approved venues and 4750 for Anne Arundel, you still have nearly 8000 slot machine positions available. Exactly where are those going to go? With the budget problems I would think another referendum would be in order, but for which counties and specific locations?
Finally, while Simon (the owner of Arundel Mills) has suggested large shopping areas and casinos can co-exist as they do in Las Vegas, there is an appropriate saying that is entirely applicable here: What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Enough said.
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Masak Protests Too Much... - 2009-11-23 22:40:23
Mr. Masak.
You are unfortunately hypersensitive about the remark. It wasn't even clear based on your posts that you had any connection to your website. I simply commented that many of us, who are long-time residents of Russett, and who have worked on this issue for the past 4 years, simply do not know who operates the site - you unfortunately made it personal. Several of your posts targeting others are unnecessarily personal. I don't agree with the business case your site makes for gambling expansion because quite frankly, it may very well come back to bite us in Laurel. Perhaps you, myself, and Rob can meet over coffee so that we can learn a bit more about each other's efforts?
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Devin Tucker - Laurel, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Fred? Rob? - 2009-11-23 22:30:27
Fred Shubbie, what are you talking about? I know my own site. My group operates www.notinrussett.com (type it in your browser and watch the magic happen). What, do you need to watch me edit it for proof? Get a grip with the conspiracy theories folks. Oh, and if you're really gonna harp on this, check your public records. I'm a proud resident and neighborhood representative of 12A in Russett.
Now, Mr. Rob Anicelli, I'm not trying to personalize this and, in fact, I'm all for local citizens chiming in on issues as you've done, but I gotta point out the hypocrisy in your last post. You claim that you're fighting for all communities including Russett, but then you state very clearly that the people of Maryland were "sold a bill of goods" when they were assured slots would go to Laurel Park. The neighborhoods you represent voted FOR slots (in Laurel). Russett, having been presented with the same information, voted AGAINST slots. Translation: The majority of folks in Russett don't want slots and many of the remaining folks simply don't want slots in Laurel. The communities around Arundel Mills WANT slots, they just seem to be suffering from buyer's remorse.
Please continue to be a voice for YOUR community, but don't attempt to be a voice for MINE.
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Christopher Masak - Laurel, MD - Karma: Good
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Masak Protests too Much - 2009-11-23 22:29:20
LOL. That's hilarious Shubbie!
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Devin Tucker - Laurel, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Masak - 2009-11-23 18:24:48
you run the site and you don't even know the correct web address--sure you do.
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Fred Shubbie - annapolis , md - Karma: Terrible
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Tucker off base - 2009-11-23 17:23:26
An earlier comment by a Mr. Devin Tucker should be voted down due to it's gross inaccuracies. The www.notinrussett.com website is, most assuredly, NOT a shill for anyone. I should know, I run the site. I'm a resident of Russett who is concerned that my community's voice is not being heard. Rather than call each other names and get sidetracked by false information, the citizens of Laurel and Russett must take action and stand up for what we believe. Mr. Tucker, please stick to the issues, not the rumor-mongering. Feel free to email me: notinrussett@gmail.com
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Christopher Masak - Laurel, MD - Karma: Good
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Donna is Correct - 2009-11-23 17:21:00
We are seeking real protections, and right now neither bill contains the 1/4 mile buffer. We know it will be difficult to kill the zoning bills, even though there is nothing in the state legislation that states slots SHALL be implemented. Because I oppose slots near ANY RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY (that includes you Russett), and neither bill contains the 1/4 mile buffer, I support neither bill.
I hope that individuals who live near W-1 zoned property (like Laurel Park) anywhere in Anne Arundel County adopt this position, otherwise they could win the battle and get slots at the Mall (thinking they saved themselves), and lose the war in a year or two when the state expands gambling with another referendum and someone wants to build a casino near them.
If you can build a casino at a family friendly mall within 1/2 mile of 2100 'residential units' you can build it anywhere - unless we the people make a stand here and now!
www.stopslotsatamm.com
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Rob Annicelli - hanover, MD - Karma: Excellent
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jen - 2009-11-23 14:25:51
that makes sense.
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Mary Ann Donnell - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Two Cents - 2009-11-23 14:24:24
Cordish is behind all these pressure tactics. The residents that will be impacted by a casino at the mall mounted a true grassroots campaign and made excellent progress, and Cordish is worried. Cordish's only selling points are either false and/or red herrings. 1) Jobs/Revenue to the county - the jobs will come no matter where a casino goes. So will whatever $ comes out of it (which will not be any where near the $500 mil they are predicting). 2) The infrastructure at the mall site IS NOT ADEQUATE. The roads/intersections in the area already are failing according to a traffic study issued early this year.
To all the "voters approved it, now live with it" folks - the voters were sold a bill of goods that the casino would be at the Laurel racetrack. I personally voted against it anyway, because I don't believe counting on gambling money is a fiscally responsible way to run a government, and these types of facilities degrade the areas they are in.
The Council should develop zoning that is not specific to any project, and allow developers to find sites that meet the zoning requirements(which should include significant buffer zones between residential areas and gaming areas, requirements to build appropriate roads, on/off ramps from main roads, adquate parking etc.) The state licensing committee should reject the Cordish bid and initiate a re-bid where bidders could provide proposals that meet the zoning critera.
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Donna Sauter - , - Karma: Neutral
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SLOTS... - 2009-11-23 13:46:40
Yes. The FD (joined with others) just recently took a full page ad (capital) out on behalf of the slots. that is why I suggested that...see....
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Jen Rhoades - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Jen - 2009-11-23 13:34:15
I don't Vitale recusing herself. There is no apparent conflict with the FD.
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Mary Ann Donnell - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Disingenuous Politicians - 2009-11-23 13:19:10
It is interesting politicians are feigning either ignorance or recent concern on the location for slots. Gambling may be an unfortunate activity, but it was approved by the voters. Locations for gambling facilities was reviewed, negotiated, restricted and approved, prior to the balloting. The mall and race-track are within the proscribed area. I knew the designated areas, if Council members did not, they are incompetent. The Council has made excuses, (or left for more 'lucrative government offices') to delay, refusing to vote. Whether you support gambling or not, the Council is obligated to bring it to a vote. The citizens of Anne Arundel County should expect and demand our elected officials do their jobs. This is not an unknown piece of legislation. The Council's not doing their job,(or decided delay secures another term) this should not be forgotten. Ms. Vitale, as head of the Council, is directly responsible. Her inability (or unwillingeness) to make a decision reveals a lack of leadership.
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harry trampolini - severna park, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Chill - 2009-11-23 13:18:23
Hey why vote me down because of my predictions...lets hear yours.
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Jen Rhoades - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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My predictions - 2009-11-23 13:00:54
....ok.....Vitale, if she doesn't recuse herself on behalf of her spouse working for the FD, will vote yeah. Benoit Neah. Jones Neah. Dillon Yeah. Middlebrooks Yeah. Johnson Yeah. We shall see!
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Jen Rhoades - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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protections for all - 2009-11-23 12:33:12
Somewhere down the line, there will be an expansion of gambling and gambling locations or a relocation of gambling in AA County. Whether it be in Hanover, Laurel, even Annapolis. You may not see it in the immediate future, but it will happen. We need people from all over AA to fight for protections and not be so short sighted.
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Cshe 1 - Hanover, MD - Karma: Neutral
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Ms Vitale - 2009-11-23 12:25:28
has to look at her political future and the natural progression would be a run at County Exec. So she can't support slots at Arundel Mills if Leopold supports slots there. Guess that puts her between a rock and a hard place. Guess this is a gut check moment for her. Wonder if she has the courage!
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Pat Magnum - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad
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Russett - 2009-11-23 11:41:09
Hey Rob:
I'm not sure who is behind the "notinrussett" campaign and website. Some people are already speculating on this side of town that the website is a shill for the Cordish Company. As a Russett owner, I think gambling is a losing proposition for the state. I think the failure of elected state representatives from District 32 (your's) and District 21 (mine), to protect both areas (buffers, lower taxes, etc), will be the greatest legacy from this fiasco. As you know, I think the council at this point has to vote on a bill that includes BOTH sites, or neither of the sites. Vitale's bill makes absolutely ZERO sense.
http://stopslotslaurel.com/Guestbook.php
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Devin Tucker - Laurel, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Vitale - 2009-11-23 10:51:19
Unbelievable, you are overwhelmed by people who need jobs, businesses that need work and people in the county that expect vital services will not be interupted. You are a disgrace to your office and I'm sorry that we supported you, we will never make that mistake again. Why are you sponsoring a bill that places it in a members district that does not want gaming? Wasn't that the logic you used to go against being in the mills? oh yea, the mills resident overwhelmingly supported gaming. It sure makes one think about "motives". I hope all the councilmembers are watching Sheila's woes in Baltimore. I guess you're not worried about your husband getting laid off.......I'm sure he is not on the short list given your position, but when you are termed out and lose in your next election............. Hey Bob, thank goodness we actually vote and don't depend on Community College polls, just exactly how did your district vote. The only people with "standing" to insist that it not be zoned in their neighborhood is Russett and I think they are speaking loud and clear, I hope you can hear them Jaime "stamato" Benoit.
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bob pravda - Severna Park, MD - Karma: Neutral
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Not Quite... - 2009-11-22 19:52:03
The people who voted for the referendum voted for local control over planning and zoning. The council can kill slots altogether, should they choose to. If you are anti-slots you should oppose both bills.
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Rob Annicelli - hanover, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Point of Clarification - 2009-11-22 19:17:44
Russett residents voted in opposition to slots and are vehemently anti-slots in Laurel Park. However, the seeming inevitability of slots in Anne Arundel County dictates that a suitable location be chosen. If we must have slots, then Arundel Mills is the place.
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Christopher Masak - Laurel, MD - Karma: Good
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Voters Already Decided - 2009-11-22 17:56:48
While I personally oppose gambling, my fellow citizens voted for a referendum in favor of allowing gambling. In the meantime, Anne Arundel County Council is considering the use of zoning rules, phone calls or e-mails to interfere with the long standing democratic process. The voters decided and that is what counts in the United States of America. Save your rule by decree methods for some place like Burma that does not stand for democracy.
Rob: Community College polls are not how we make decisions on public issues in the U.S., we decide by casting ballots, aka voting in elections.
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TH Williams - Virginia Beach, VA - Karma: Excellent
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Slots Supporter - 2009-11-22 14:13:27
Am I now hearing that Russett supports slots without additional protections, like a 1/4 mile buffer between residential areas and a casino like in Baltimore? If so, that is a dangerous stand to take since another referendum is almost a given.
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Rob Annicelli - hanover, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Face Facts - 2009-11-22 12:19:48
Fact: Maryland citizens voted in favor of slots.
Fact: Laurel racetrack is bankrupt and was unable to put in a valid bid for slots.
Fact: The citizens of Russett, 13,000 strong, oppose slots at the aforementioned bankrupt site.
Fact: Rules & processes were created to solicit proposals for a gaming site....only 1 bid adhered to those rules and gained approval.
Fact: Maryland, and Anne Arundel County, need revenue...and gaming sites will generate revenue.
Fact: Arundel Mills mall ALREADY HAS the infrastructure to support a gaming facility, thereby becoming the most logical area to place slots.
Fact: Russett & Laurel are FAMILY communities that have begun to voice their opposition to such sites despite efforts to blindside them with Bill 81-09.
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Christopher Masak - Laurel, MD - Karma: Good
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Salient facts - 2009-11-22 11:57:04
Quotes in the article omitted important and salient points made in the letter.
The basis of stating RCA voted against slots was based on the facts on AA Countys
board of elections website:
[1] Russett Library, 004-009 56% voted against and 44% for Question 2.
[2] Resurrection Church, 004-006 50.15% voted for and 49.85% against Question 2.
Russetts 3712 homes approximately 13,000 people living on 610 acres has families, family activities and tot lots included. Unlike areas that voted for slots, RCAs precincts voted strongly AGAINST the referendum.
82-09 has correct language allowing slots at EITHER Laurel or Arundel Mills
matching the referendums language. AA County Bill 81-09 does NOT.
It intentionally restricts zoning to venues south of 32", eliminates the only viable bid in hand and runs counter to the referendum's language.
(2 miles either side of the BW Parkway and between 32 and Rt 100.)
A high stakes game of presenting both bills to have them voted down or vetoed may throw it back to the state. Slots could then come in with less favorable terms to the county. If the hope is to get more favorable terms,
guaranteed revenue instead of a percentage for the county is that the real goal or is the goal to politically force them to the track via one method or another?
Horse racing will still benefit no matter where the venue goes.
The referendum passed, a valid bid submitted and now theres an effort to intentionally
zone out the only bid and force them to the track anyway? This makes no real sense and appears disingenuous, IMHO.
The question is:
Which precincts nearest a venue getting slots will vote the same in 2010s elections
as they did in 2008? Precincts 004-009 and 004-006 pretty clearly voted how they felt in 2008. The percentages will likely not change and could strengthen beyond the 12% spread against the referendum in 2008. Of course, this is all just my personal opinion, I could be wrong.
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Tim Reyburn - Laurel, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Incomplete Picture - 2009-11-22 08:17:31
The title to this article is gives an incomplete picture of where the pressure is comming from, and who is behind it. Pressure is mounting, but it is on both side and from two sources. The people who oppose the location and the money which supports it.
Why else would public safety unions get involved in the politics of selecting a location?
www.stopslotsatamm.com
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Rob Annicelli - hanover, MD - Karma: Excellent
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You wanted them - 2009-11-22 07:18:12
We got slots and now we can't decide where to put them. So I ask the people: People, in light of the reality of slots actually being implemented, would you vote for them again ?
It is time to either do this slots thing in the most proftable way, or protest against them and remove the legality of SLots in MAryland for good by way of a referendum /
Power to the People, y'all
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Fred Shubbie - annapolis , md - Karma: Terrible
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Against the will of the People - 2009-11-22 06:43:48
Why is there so muich so called 'pressure' comming from the developers and the County Executive for this proposal; it goes against the will of the people. There are a number of polls on this, two of the most prominant being done by the Anne Arundel Community College, a 'partner' of the casino. Only 16% of 625 county voters COUNTYWIDE want slots at the Mall. That should be the real source of 'pressure.'
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Rob Annicelli - hanover, MD - Karma: Excellent
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