County Executive John R. Leopold this morning signed into law a zoning bill passed last night by the County Council that would allow the gambling parlor.
The vote hinged on Councilman Jamie Benoit, the council's most ardent slots opponent who spent two years campaigning against slots but provided unexpected help for the Arundel Mills proposal.
After nearly 10 months without a decision on any proposal the council voted 4-2 to pass two competing zoning bills - one that paves the way for a...
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Again, our representative failed us - 2010-01-04 19:05:32
I keep reading some staff members of this paper and some commentators writing about how the politicians finally voted correctly because their vote enacted "the will of the people." In my opinion, those folks desperately need a refresher civics course.
In a representative democracy, like the U.S., politicians jobs consist of or, at least, ought to consist of studying the issues before them, weighing the alternatives, and thinking through the consequences of each. He or she should act according to conscience and do the right thing even in the face of countervailing pressures. Representatives are not simply supposed to tally the support for one position or another and then vote with the simple majority. If that was the case, they would hold completely unnecessary positions in our society; because, we could all vote on every issue, and enact whatever the majority decided. (I realize doing away with politicians might hold some appeal, but that is an argument for another time.)
A representative democracy works best when representatives act according to their best judgment.
Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion.
Our representatives failed us first at the state level for not having the strength of character (or, more colloquially "the gonads")to vote. The locals failed by taking what they see as the easy way out of a budget mess and foisting this disease on our community. Gambling is not a victimless activity.
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Pat - 2010-01-04 12:43:22
Maryland City at 198 has been a mess for years? Can you be more specific? It looks like most other parts of Anne Arundel County, where there are roads, businesses and shopping centers. It does not look like Boontown and route 175 at Fort Meade.
Yes, Maryland City does have crime, but so does the rest of the county.
One problem that faces the police, in 3 directions, criminals only have to travel 1-2 miles and they are outside the county lines and onto a variety of routes.
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so - 2010-01-01 09:41:16
you won't have any crime if the casino is at the track?
Heck they had a shooting at The Aloft Hotel last night during a New Years party. Maybe the area will improve with the casino coming in. Instead of worrying about slots maybe these groups should spend time cleaning up their neighborhoods. Work to clean up FT Meade, Russett, Rt 198 around MD City has been a mess for years. That what these groups should worry about. Casino's did not create these problems, they were already there.
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Money....... - 2009-12-31 20:20:39
Like the Pizza Delivery Guy,The Person going to their ATM,The Taxi Cab Driver,The Store Manager walking to the bank to make their deposit my opinion on this whole slots argument has not changed.
Thieves will know full well that the patrons of this slot machine venue will have cash going into or coming out and like I said before because of the location which is literally right next to 97 and other major roads it's going to be kind of hard for the county police to track vehicles or thieves on foot especially next to a crowded mall.
Also like I said before even if the venue has prime security they cannot leave the actual grounds to chase after anybody.
I think that they should keep the slots venues at the race tracks.
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Casino - 2009-12-30 20:36:22
Correct me if I am wrong but its not actually gonna be a casino.This place will only have slot machines unlike a casino which has slots,poker,black jack,etc.etc.Seems like comparing this some places like Atlantic City,Vegas,and other actual casinos is crazy.
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average waiter... - 2009-12-30 17:45:41
Agreed. I am certain security inside the casinos will be more than adequate. But you are right, it will be interesting to see if they can carry through with that security into the parking lots and surrounding mall area. This will be a very very large task. Arundel Mills has a lot at stake to make sure its customers are safe in and around the mall area.....
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Pat M Down - 2009-12-29 18:35:44
Ms. Magnum:
Russett is the only development that has turned around this side of West County. The picture is not as bleak as you depict. More work needs to be done. Maryland City for example, across 198, has struggled for years with car thefts and has a lot of potential. There is at least one potential project in the pipeline there. The Polm Companies has a mini development in Bacontown - right across the street from the racetrack.
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Re: average waiter - 2009-12-28 22:42:18
No, my statement doesn't mean that I will only support candidates who will abolish other forms of gambling, although I would support any politician who tried.
Now please correct me if I am wrong, but the lottery was introduced to raise revenue so that the we would pay less taxes and get better services. The lottery raises a ton of money on the backs of those who can least afford it. Still, taxes have continued to rise and they still claim the level of services needs to be increased with more funds.
With regard to race tracks, I don't know about you, but it really doesn't matter to me which horse is fastest at the track. Even though I know that the jockeys and horses have a lot of talent does anyone really appreciate that???...it seems to be more about the gamble, and unfortunately for the track owners most people like me are not that interested. I think the same is mostly true for bingo halls, but honestly I have no idea about who frequents them or who profits from them.
People have free will, but there is a reason cocaine, heroine, etc are illegal. There will be more crime and security concerns. The casinos will have top security to protect the money first, the people second.
I stand by my previous statement, my vote will never go to any politician who is in support of gambling in any form. My shopping dollars will never go to any retail establishment located in the same facility as a gambling facility.
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re:armstrong - 2009-12-28 18:54:29
Armstrong - Point taken. It will be interesting to see how security is handled at the new facilities (assuming plans move forward). From my personal experience, security is always extremely tight inside the casino walls - lets just hope that Cordish is able to step up and expand security into the parking lots and any areas that will be shared with mallgoers. I like to think that it will be possible to make this venue safe and enjoyable, but as you and others have pointed out, this will certainly be no small task.
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average waiter..... - 2009-12-28 09:10:08
I never said the trouble would be from casino patrons trolling the aisles of Muvico looking for kids while watching Shrek. I said I think the issues will arise in the parking lots and possibly the the main walkways and eateries of the interior mall. Casinos attract their fair share of drunks, bachelor parties, and prostitutes. That's a fact. And large sums of money being won & lost in a venue that also serves alcohol does indeed bring along its share of security problems. My point was a "shopping mall" doesn't seem like the appropriate place to bring such a venue. Sure, put it at one of the race tracks where the main purpose is to gamble. But a mall? Bad idea in my mind. Of course new jobs will be created. Of course the mall may see higher revenues. But my whole point was that security in the Arundel Mills Mall area is already lacking. And my personal opinion is they have no idea how much they will have to step up to the plate, and I truly think they will fail miserably while trying.
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strauss and armstrong - 2009-12-28 00:58:35
Strauss - Does your statement regarding your vote mean that you only support candidates who want to abolish the lottery, horse racing, "keno," and bingo halls? Yes slots are a new form of gambling in our state, but they are certainly not the only form.
Armstrong - I feel there are likely more legitimate criticisms of slots at Arundel Mills. Your image of "crazy drunks, aggressive bachelors and [my personal favorite] strung out prostitutes" spilling onto the mall property seems a bit outlandish. I hardly think that prostitutes and drunks will be staggering into Muvico like zombies, searching for innocents there enjoying Shrek 4.
What about the jobs and revenue that will be created by this casino? What about the possibility that Arundel Mills as a mall could see a hugh increase in business, as more people are drawn to the grounds? While it is important to look at the implications of the "bachelor parties and prostitutes," you must weigh these dangers against possible benefits.
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My Vote and My Retail Dollars - 2009-12-27 22:31:35
My vote will never go to any politician who is in support of gambling in any form. My shopping dollars will never go to any retail establishment located in the same facility as a gambling facility.
Sorry, I like you Bass Pro, Costco, etc..., but if this happens and you are there...so long. There is always Cabela's and BJ's or Sam's Club.
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re: Mall Security - 2009-12-27 20:34:42
It frightens me when I think of what will become of the Arundel Mills Mall area, especially since they can't handle security in this area as it is. Sure, I bet the casino "property" will have adequate security, but what happens when the crazy drunks, the aggressive bachelor parties, and the strung-out prostitutes start spilling over into the mall property? How will they handle it all? Get the popcorn out folks, this is gonna be like the train wreck no one can keep their eyes off of!
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re: Mall Security - 2009-12-27 16:57:47
Brian Armstrong,
Your are right. I have been in casinos in Las Vegas, Reno and Atlantic City and have seen with my own eyes that casinos want their patrons to be totally drunk and obnoxious. Oh, and they also welcome pedophiles, drug dealers, war criminals, and Martians (all Martians, not just the green ones). Does that cover it all?
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Mall Security - 2009-12-27 15:23:02
I beg to differ, but the mall security at Arundel Mills WILL have to step up to the plate. A casino adjacent to a shopping mall, movie theater, & restaurants that will be filled with families, teens & children? How many of you will now feel safe to drop off your teens at the mall knowing there's a casino next door? How many families will want to go to Muvico theaters when angry drunks who just lost all their money will be stumbling through the parking lots? I just think it's a bad idea to put slots in a location where families go to shop, eat & see movies. Laurel Park or Pimlico would have been better options, rather than a shopping mall. So yes, mall security WILL have to be prepared to deal with drunk casino patrons on their property.
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Election - 2009-12-27 13:22:02
Pat, It will be Leopold and Owens running against each other. Vitale is going for judge.
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I am - 2009-12-27 08:38:21
considering your point, and yes I do believe that the casino will increase security. People will not go someplace they feel is unsafe. They expect a reasonable amount of security. Cordish will want it safe, they want people to spend money there.
All these stop slots groups should start focusing on improving there own area's and stop worrying about slots. The area of Russett for years has been a blight on the county. Red Clay Rd has been a combat zone for years, nothing been done about it, same for the Starting Gate and the area behind it, it has been a known drug area, hookers etc.. and it remains that way. Hanover area has always been a mix of residential and business, industrial, this is not news folks it has been that way for 50 years. It is not like they want to set a casino in the middle of Severna Park.
So with County Exec election coming up who will be throwing that hats in the ring. My prediction at this point is
Leopold
Vitale
and the return of Janet Owens anyone have any names to predict?
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Pat Magnum - Arnold, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Consider This.... - 2009-12-24 19:10:39
The crime rate at Arundel Mills mall is already phenomenal and the mall security/Anne Arundel County police can only do so much but putting a slots venue with hired security is not going to stop or prevent crime from happening.
I know this is a bad metaphor but think about it.
People know that patrons are going to go into this venue with money or come out with it. Do you really think that any type of security is going to curtail crime because technically they can't leave the property once the customers are off of it.
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Get over it NIMBY's - 2009-12-24 13:26:04
The voters, the MAJORITY, passed the slots bill. The time to gather opposition was BEFORE the bill was voted on.
The communities directly adjacent to mall properties are and were affected by crime and plummeting property VALUES well before this bill was signed. In your feeble attempt to garner enough signatures to railroad this APPROVED venue, I hope you can ethically ask each petitioner *if* they voted for slots (likely because it was going to be Laurel's problem) before they sign.
IT IS WHAT IT IS and it's TOO LITTLE TOO LATE. I bet the permit applications for initial grading and construction will be submitted next week---and APPROVED!
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cracking up - 2009-12-24 11:58:25
Thanks to Pat and Brett for the fun exchange. Happy Holidays to everyone. Keep the spirited debate going - good reading.
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You go Pat! - 2009-12-24 11:37:39
I also checked the crime stats for casinos and agree with you. Casinos invest alot of money and are well equipted with their security. That added to our police can only be beneficial to the safety of the mall.
Fred..... for the first time, I actually agree with you.
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Sorry Brett - 2009-12-24 11:35:26
my bad!
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How dare you.... - 2009-12-24 11:29:59
...Pat Magnum, introduce real statistics and common sense into this inflammatory argument? Don't you know posters here are trying to raise the ire of the general public by loudly proclaiming rumors and inflammatory untruths?
Slots are here, folks....regardless of your opinions. If you don't gamble, and you don't feel safe in an arena where there is gambling, you are free to avoid the casino(s) as you see fit.
The votes cast by the Council were certainly influenced by phone calls, letters and emails to each Council member. In a true Democracy, (such as we live in here in Anne Arundel County,) our representatives vote according to the will of the (majority of the) people.
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So using - 2009-12-24 11:21:04
the crime arguement, all venues of any sort should be banned everywhere. We need to eliminate malls, sports venues, shopping centers, banks, bowling alleys, bars etc...by doing that the crime will move into residential areas.
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A report - 2009-12-24 10:59:43
A Report to Governor Martin OMalley
From Thomas E. Perez, Secretary of the
Department of Labor, Licensing and
Regulation
August 2007
The crime rate in Jefferson County, West Virginia, home of Charles Town Races and
Slots, in 1994 was 26.4, meaning there were 26.4 offenses per 1,000 residents. In 1997,
the rate went down to 20, and continued to fall even after the introduction of slots in
1999. In 2000 the countys crime rate was 16.2, falling to 12 crimes per 1,000 people by
2004.43
The statistics found for Dover County, Delaware, home to Dover Downs, were calculated
differently. The violent crime rate for the county in 1994, the year before slots came to
town, was 915 per 100,000 residents. In 1996, the year following the introduction of
slots, the rate was 847, falling to 650 in 2000 and 765 in 2004.4
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Read the Crime Reports - 2009-12-24 09:10:01
in the paper. The police don't have the man power now to make the mall a safe place to shop. How do you think that will change.
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Huh? - 2009-12-24 08:52:44
Boycotting Arundel Mills Mall? Where is this coming from? Boycott the slots parlor (not a full blown casino) if you like but come on! Do you boycott food courts in the malls because they have a Chinese restaurant and you don't like Chinese food?
I wish people would stop the rhetoric that this slots parlor is located IN the mall. It is an additional tenant on the property across from the mall.
And as for crime, with the slots, people will be coming in with money--easy targets. Do you really think that the security will be left to the mall cops that are employed there now? The security of their customers is paramount and you can guarantee that there will be a private armed security force to ensure that. I bet that when all is said and done that the mall and the surrounding areas might indeed be one of the safer places in Anne Arundel County.
The petition? 19,000 is a LOT of names to get in 45 days. Just ask the Annapolitans for a Better Community. They tried for close to a year to get 5,000 signatures for a referendum to consider a City Manager and came up short.
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AA Mills already a monster - 2009-12-24 08:45:08
I agree with the previous comment. I too avoid arundel mills as it is a destination retail outlet, not so convenient. Also, I see it as a gaudy steroid enchanced monument to capitalism completely lacking anything to attract a person of my refined taste level. If you are living there now, how much worse can it get than it is now during the Christmas season.
I understand, no one like change in the places they live, but arundel mills is not very desirable NOW. This location is best for all all of mankind.
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Fred Shubbie - annapolis , md - Karma: Terrible
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Arundel Mills - 2009-12-24 08:18:26
Scott, some of us already avoid Arundel Mills. Its not a nice place to shop. If slots are installed, just one more reason to stay away.
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R Marshall - Laurel, Md - Karma: Excellent
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Should we.... - 2009-12-23 18:47:23
Organize a "Boycott Arundel Mills Day"? If we pick a set date, one that affords us the time to adequately spread the word, maybe it'd be a great way to try and get our point across? If Arundel Mills lost so much money in one day, they'd see we were all serious about nit wanting a casino in that area? Maybe pass out flyers that list the dates & times of all the muggings & purse snatchings that occured, so people can see how bad the crime already is in this area, and how bad it will become with a casino?
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Brian Armstrong - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Good
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Postscript 3 - 2009-12-23 16:38:32
3.) An Active and Engaged Citizenry
I still firmly believe that gambling in the State of Maryland is no different than the mirage of real estate riches unraveled by the sub-prime mortgage meltdown. I am heartened to see so many people in Laurel involved with stopslotslaurel.com and Arundel Mills exercising their rights of free expression and pushing back against any and all elected officials who would dare take our communities for granted. I hope such efforts can continue on other issues of major importance to all. Mainly, I hope to continue to work with the Arundel Mills community to fight gambling expansion and the race to the economic bottom. Our community deserves better.
Devin Tucker, dft7@msn.com
www.stopslotslaurel.com
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Devin Tucker - Laurel, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Postscript 2 - 2009-12-23 16:37:54
2.) State Elected Officials Failed
The long-running gambling debate in at least one major way mirrored national qualms that voters have with many of their elected officials. One of the greatest takeaways from the debate is that elected officials failed to protect both Laurel and Arundel Mills. Gambling is another predatory financial product that is no different from the sub-prime mortgages that have shaved on average nearly 40% off the home values in Laurel and Arundel Mills. Yet in District 21 which covers greater Laurel, not one community meeting was held or scheduled by ANY state elected officials with nearby homeowners to discuss the potential impact of gambling expansion on Laurel prior to passage of Questions 2. Only AFTER Question 2 passed, did elected officials cobble together a feeble effort to discuss what it all means - in terms of dubious claims about money for education, minority contracting opportunities, and entry-level jobs with only marginal career paths. In total, three elected officials from District 21 voted FOR slots without securing ANY protections in the form of property-tax breaks, buffers, traffic calming, noise mitigation, etc. Much in the same way that no one was minding the regulatory store to protect all from exotic financial products like sub-prime mortgages, these same elected officials quietly stood by while gambling interests received one of the greatest bailout packages in Maryland history. Weve already seen this year how voters react to poor leadership and the gamesmanship between private lobbyists and elected officials. I am most certain that many voters have watched this process and rightly concluded that Change is still needed.
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Devin Tucker - Laurel, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Postscript 1 - 2009-12-23 16:34:49
Postscript and Takeaways
1.) All Communities Are Equal
While not at all ideal, in the end, the County Council chose to treat ALL Anne Arundel County communities the same. Their 4-2 vote in favor of broad zoning that include areas within 2 miles of the BWI Parkway effectively guarantees that slots will begin its tortuous Maryland journey at Arundel Mills. County Executive John Leopold has already signed the bill. From my vantage point, the council really only had only two options: a.) to vote for a bill that included both potential sites in Laurel and Arundel Mills or b.) a bill that included ZERO sites in Anne Arundel County. My preference would have been option B. Leopold wisely rejected Cathleen Vitale's narrow attempt to red-line the greater Laurel community and consign it permanently to some underclass status fit only for "gambling" related development.
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Devin Tucker - Laurel, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Slots - 2009-12-23 15:05:22
We already have various types of gambling in Md. People are going to gamble no matter what avenue is available and those that don't, nothing will change in their lives.
Except better Police and Fire protection, more education funding, and hopefully no increase in taxes with the slots revenue. People voted for slots and it got in, I'd call that a majority.
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E. corbett - severna park, Md - Karma: Excellent
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S. Martin - 2009-12-23 11:46:06
That is a good name for you! For you are such a comic. You're such a wild and funny guy.
It is only sad that you have nothing to contribute so you attack someone personally. Typical fashion for the comics in this life. Nothing constructive...no problem, just shoot the messenger and the public buys this as entertainment.
You know why? Because they have drank from the fountain of government education that has dumbed them down. All they can do is make jokes.
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R. Rogers - Harwood, MD - Karma: Terrible
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Meds - 2009-12-23 11:12:58
Somebody from south county needs to start re-taking their meds; ASAP.
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Stephen Martin - Crofton, MD - Karma: Terrible
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Thus says the Lord - - 2009-12-23 10:08:25
"Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense?"
Gambling is a disease; the symptoms are crime, waste, drugs, prostitution, theft, filthiness, this is what follows the gaming industry. It may not be in the fancy halls of iniquity, but on the streets, out of sight, is the vileness that sets in due to gaming.
It is another tax on the poor, all perpetrated by the wealthy, political class, yet corporations are the scapegoat.
Repent! for the Kindom is at hand.
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R. Rogers - Harwood, MD - Karma: Terrible
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Arundel Mills - 2009-12-23 04:23:26
A friend of mine and her husband went to the Mall theater to see a movie and promptly exited after getting a refund from management because they couldn't control people talking and letting their cell phones go off in the theater.
When she and her husband left the theater they came upon a County Police Officer who said he "hated this beat" and I can hardly blame him.
I've been to Arundel Mills Mall less than 6 times and will never go there again now that a full blown casino is going to put there.
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Steve Gundersen - Annapolis, Md - Karma: Terrible
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Lobbyists and Politicians - 2009-12-22 21:42:13
I think it is not out of order to ask that we look closely , as closely as legally possible, into the personal finances and large purchases of all Council members from this point forward.
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Fred Shubbie - annapolis , md - Karma: Terrible
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I'll sign it - 2009-12-22 20:45:21
I'll sign the petition and help get others in Crofton to sign.
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aaron gray - crofton, md - Karma: Neutral
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Decisive Indecisiveness - 2009-12-22 20:43:55
Like it or not the council's job was and is to enact the will of the people they represent. The only two that should have possibly been in opposition were Mr Jones and Mr Benoit. The rest were representing communities that supported the referendum and expected it to be acted upon in good faith. Mr Middlebrooks, as usual, played both sides by saying he supported 8209 but recused himself and in effect voted against it. Ms. Vitale fought a battle she had no part in and negated what my neighbors and I elected her to do, act on our wishes. In the end they didn't even decide, they passed conflicting laws and left it to the County Exec. This whole process was an embarassment for the County and will likely be held against us when the State decides funding issues in the future. My hats off to Mr Dillon and his steady course of conduct for of all the council members, he alone seems to get what his responsibilities are and maintains his convictions regarding them.
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M Young - Crownsville, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Its over, finally - 2009-12-22 19:38:44
Since the beginning of this debate, it has been miserable for those here who have found themselves in the path of either lobbying side. Dangle a bit of money in front of desparate group, and they will do just about anything to get what they want. Those of us who value peace, quiet, and orderly living have had our lives disrupted by interests willing to stop at nothing to get what they want, but we can get some much needed rest now.
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christopher linnen - annapolis, md - Karma: Terrible
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Our representatives have failed us, - 2009-12-22 18:54:37
Our local representatives have failed us, just as the state reps did before them! Unfortunately, we will all have to pay for their mistake.
Just because a referendum was passed allowing something to happen, does not mean that it must happen, or that it should happen. Gambling is not the answer. Do the math. In order for Cordish and the mall's owners to make money, many times more people must lose substantial amounts of money, than those who work there will ever make. We will be trading one group of desperate people, for another much larger group of desperate people. And, as is frequently the case with gamblers, we're not just talking about extra spending money they have access to, but money that they should use to feed and care for their children and pay other essential bills.
I, for one, will put my money where my mouth is. From this day forward (because the only thing these people really care about is making money for themselves) I will not set foot in Arundel Mills Mall. I strongly encourage a grass roots boycott, starting immediately. I understand this will be hard on some local shop owners, but either they join this battle and put pressure on the mall owners, or they stand to lose, too.
Mr. Annacelli, where do I sign your petition?
Politicians' jobs consist or, at least, ought to consist of studying the issues before them, weighing the alternatives, and thinking through the consequences of each. He or she should act according to conscience and do the right thing even in the face of countervailing pressures.
A representative democracy works best when representatives act according to their best judgment. Mr. Benoit you know gambling is wrong, you should have voted accordingly, even if you were standing alone. Your vote was certainly not statesman-like!
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Debra Myers - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Good
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slots vote - 2009-12-22 18:17:58
It's interesting that no one mentions the objections of Laurel residents to the largest casino in the state being foisted on an area that has no infrastructure at all for it, i.e. Laurel Park. This whole slots agenda has created a lot of acrimony between communities and individuals that would otherwise not exist. It all goes back to special interests and a governor who thought he could strong-arm his own agenda and force-fed to the state what his predecessor could not: slot gambling in Maryland.
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Marjorie Schulenburg - Laurel, MD - Karma: Good
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WOW! - 2009-12-22 18:02:01
The Arundel Mills Mall has been the site of countless burglaries, muggings in the parking lot, attempted purse snatchings, etc. They can't handle basic "mall security" duties at this location, and now they are gonna put a casino here? Wow! The crime rate in the area surrounding Arundel Mills will double, probably triple shortly after the doors of the casino open.
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Brian Armstrong - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Good
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Both For and Against - 2009-12-22 17:22:18
The final farcial act of duplicity performed after 10 months of excuses. Two bills were passed; one paves the way and one forbids slots at Arundel Mills. We had to wait 10 months for this, why? Ms. Vitale, former council chair, needs to her constituents why it takes 10 months to make a non-decision. I congatulate Mr. Leopold of wasting no time in doing his job, signing the bill at the first opportunity. Is the council ashamed, doubtful. This farce was and is an insult to the citizens of Anne Arundel. The Council's inaction cost taxpayers delayed/lost income stream and will increase our taxes. This should not be forgotten if council members consider another elected or appointed postion.
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harry trampolini - severna park, MD - Karma: Excellent
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I can't speak for Marylanders - 2009-12-22 15:14:33
But in my opinion this is the Biggest Mistake we will ever make in the History of Maryland.
Once Again.
God Bless America,God Bless Maryland My Home State of 46 Years,and God Bless Our Troops.
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Steve Gundersen - Annapolis, Md - Karma: Terrible
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Let The Crime Rate Soar ! - 2009-12-22 15:10:08
I have never been nor will I ever be a fan legalized gambling on Maryland and it is my opinion that the crime rate at any slots location in the state will skyrocket the minute they open the doors to the first casino.
God Bless America,God Bless Maryland My Only Home of 46 Years, and most importantly God Bless Our Troops.
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Steve Gundersen - Annapolis, Md - Karma: Terrible
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The Will of The Voters - 2009-12-22 13:49:42
Finally, the will of the voters means something. The very communities who voted for slots will be getting slots as defined in the referendum they supported. This is the will of the people. Bravo to the council members who voted for 82-09. In particular, bravo to Jamie Benoit for making the right decision for his constituents and community. Finally, bravo to Executive Leopold for his swift decision.
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Christopher Masak - Laurel, MD - Karma: Good
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