Delegate Nancy Stocksdale weighs-in on the 7 questions on the Maryland election ballot

Delegate Nancy Stocksdale weighs-in on the 7 questions on the Maryland election ballot

Carroll County Delegate Nancy Stocksdale wrote in an e-mail on November 1, 2012 http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2012/11/delegate-nancy-stocksdale-weighs-in-on.html

For more information go to: http://www.scribd.com/doc/111528702/The-sample-ballot-for-the-November-6-2012-presidential-election-in-Carroll-County-Maryland or http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-sample-ballot-for-november-6-2012.html

Labels: Carroll Co Govt, Diversity Gay Lesbian Civil Unions, Elections 2012, Elections 2012 presidential, Elections and voting, MD Issues Early Voting, MD issues Gambling, MD Issues Slots, MD st govt

Many have asked my opinion on the ballot questions. There are so many conflicting TV ads and even mailings from "Republican Leaders" which have confused the issues.

This is how I voted and the reason why:

Against Question 1.   If passed, this would require candidates for the ORPHANS COURT JUDGES in Prince Georges County to be lawyers. I believe lawyers can run for these offices and if citizens elect them, they can serve, but I don't believe other citizens should be discriminated against.

Against Question 2  This is the same as question 1 except it applies to Baltimore County.

For  Question 3   This amendment removes elected officials from office upon the conviction of a felony rather than waiting until the sentencing. As the law is now, the elected official can appeal and appeal and stay in office.

Against  Question 4     This law permits illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at our state supported colleges and universities. I believe that if children were brought here illegally, they should follow the procedures to become legal. Federal Law prohibits employers from hiring illegal people so after the taxpayers pay to educate them, they are not legally allowed to work.

Against  Question 5 The Congressional Redistricting Map just does not make sense. It has been gerrymandered so that no one can be fairly represented in Congress. For example, what does Ocean City have in common with Taneytown or what does Garrett County have in common with Montgomery County?

Against Question 6   This law redefines MARRIAGE as we know it. In recent years, same-sex couples have been given many of the rights they have requested such as hospital visitation rights. They have been offered "Civil Unions," but they want the term "Marriage" changed. This has far reaching ramifications such as changing the school curriculum and dangerous consequences for ministers who preach from the Bible. Although they argue that ministers would not be affected if they did not want to perform a wedding ceremony for a same-sex couple, look what has happened to the Catholic hospitals and doctors who now must perform abortions and provide birth control.

Against Question 7 This law expands gambling in Maryland. This is a bad bill for the citizens in Maryland.

1. The schools are funded by a formula called "The Thornton Formula" and this determines how much money each school system should receive. The money from gaming will go into the EDUCATION TRUST FUND. This will free up general fund money which is normally spent on education to be used for other things. Just as money has been taken out of THE TRANSPORTATION TRUST FUND, money will be taken out of the EDUCATION TRUST FUND for other things.

2. Last year several bills were introduced to "lock" the transportation trust fund so the money would only be used for transportation purposes. These bills failed. That fund was raided for many other uses. I don't Trust money in these trust funds to go for their intended use.

3. The "Republican Leaders" Michael Steel and Audrey Scott, from whom you have received mailings live in Prince Georges County and the law is written so that the local jurisdiction where the casino is located will receive a large percentage of the tax revenue. That is the reason they are in favor of this bill.

4. In May, a Special Session was held to raise your taxes and this gaming bill lowers the taxes for the casino owners.

5. SCHOOLS WILL NOT RECEIVE ANY MORE MONEY THAT THE THIRNTON FORMULA REQUIRES. EVEN THE TEACHERS KNOW THESE STATEMEENTS IN THE AS ARE NOT TRUE. I HAVE BEEN ON THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE LONG ENOUGH TO SEE ALL THE SPECIAL FUNDS RAIDED AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER. THEY PROMISE TO "PAY BACK" BUT DON'T. Please vote against this bill and let the legislature come back in a regular session where all interested parties have an opportunity to have input.

[20121101 sdosm Stocksdales view of 7 questions]

The sample ballot for the November 6, 2012 presidential election in Carroll County Maryland

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Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:

Patuxent Publishing Co., The Carroll Eagle: www.explorecarroll.com: http://www.explorecarroll.com/search/?s=Dayhoff&action=GO
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Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoffTwitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff
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E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/
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The sample ballot for the November 6, 2012 presidential election in Carroll County Maryland

October 18, 2012

Attached please find a sample ballot for the November 6, 2012 presidential election in Carroll County Maryland, including the seven questions…

election, voting, ballot, Carroll County, Maryland, 

http://www.scribd.com/doc/111528702/The-sample-ballot-for-the-November-6-2012-presidential-election-in-Carroll-County-Maryland

The sample ballot for the November 6, 2012 presidential election in Carroll County Maryland
+++++++++++++++

Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:

Patuxent Publishing Co., The Carroll Eagle: www.explorecarroll.com: http://www.explorecarroll.com/search/?s=Dayhoff&action=GO
The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com http://www.thetentacle.com/author.cfm?MyAuthor=41

Westminster Patch: http://westminster.patch.com/search?keywords=Dayhoff

Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/
Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/
Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.org

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoffTwitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff
Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net

Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/
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This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, November 5, 2008
It’s the Congress, Stupid!
Kevin E. Dayhoff
When historians look back on the 670-day, $2.5 billion 2008 presidential campaign, the observations, analysis, second-guessing, and finger pointing will fill volumes. In the end, it was once again, “the economy, stupid” that ruled the day.


A Tale of Two Campaigns
Tom McLaughlin
This election, I was proud to be a part of two Democratic congressional campaigns. The First District in Maryland, mostly on the Eastern Shore, was where I lived while in Ocean City. I moved to the Sixth District when I relocated to Middletown.


Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Long, Messy Campaign
Roy Meachum
Today arrives as Boxing Day for Christmas and Ash Wednesday for Mardi Gras. Take your pick. The presidential campaign for all intents and purposes ended yesterday. The number of voters who might be persuaded by last minute exhortations is certainly miniscule.


Local Issues ARE Important, Too
Farrell Keough
What an interesting time slot to post a column. Today we engage in one of our most auspicious rights – the ability to vote for our representatives. Good luck!


Monday, November 3, 2008
The Big Non-Surprise
Richard B. Weldon Jr.
Former Secretary of State and highly decorated U.S. Army Gen. Colin Powell, a registered Republican, rocked the political establishment recently. On NBC's Meet the Press, General Powell revealed that he is abandoning his political party and endorsing Sen. Barack Obama, for President of The United States.


Predicting The Result
Steven R. Berryman
I have no crystal ball, but considering the events upcoming on Election Day, I feel compelled to prognosticate aloud. John McCain and Sarah Palin will be your next president and vice president of the United States of America. And here’s why:


It’s Your Choice – Part 3
Bill Brosius
We’ve seen the Reverend Wright rant “God damn America” on TV; seen his contempt for and hatred of America, and of whites. He preached: “America is a country run by rich white men.” You could not more succinctly combine racism, contempt of those hard workers who accumulate wealth, and socialism in fewer words.


Friday, October 31, 2008
Taking Race for Congress Seriously
Roy Meachum
A Frederick businessman – and fellow Democrat – this week told me a story about the former mayor. Failing to be heard with orders that city workers should not show up at his place, buy sandwiches and drive away, Jennifer Dougherty proceeded to patrol his parking lot.


Welfare Checks and Military Disintegration
Joe Charlebois
Ninety-five percent of taxpayers won't see tax increases, astounding! Ninety-five percent of Americans will receive a tax cut, amazing! Only 60% of Americans pay income taxes. What?


Just Say “NO” to Slots
Kevin E. Dayhoff
There are two constitutional questions on the ballot next Tuesday. I will be voting “NO” on both. Question 2 will amend the state constitution to allow slots. Question 1 would amend the Maryland Constitution to allow early voting in Maryland.


It’s Your Choice – Part 2
Bill Brosius
Senator Obama’s formative childhood years were unsettling and disruptive. (Words in quotes in this section are copied from “Dreams From My Father,” written by Senator Obama).


Making My Selection…
Derek Shackelford
There are currently six candidates vying for the President of the United States. Two of the candidates have garnered much of the national media attention and are a part of the two primary political parties.


Thursday, October 30, 2008
Another Round of Greatness…
Tony Soltero
Eight years ago, America was finishing up one of the best decades in the nation's history. We were at peace – after waging a successful war of liberation in the Balkans, a war in which no Americans lost their lives in combat.


My Choice and Why
Patricia A. Kelly
I was asked some time ago to contribute a column on a political candidate and why he or she should be chosen. The request was to make it positive, without the “why not to vote for” usually associated with political arguments.


It’s Your Choice – Part 1
Bill Brosius
Illinois Senator Barack Obama is a convincing, charming, silver-tongued man; few are better orators. He quickly gains the confidence of trusting people who cannot believe that he would obfuscate, and thus befuddle those who do not dig deeply into his jargon to clarify meaning.


Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Vote “NO” on Early Voting
Kevin E. Dayhoff
On Election Day November 4, there are two statewide questions on the ballot to amend the Maryland constitutional. I will be voting NO on both questions.


To Thine Own Self Be True
Tom McLaughlin
I am a Democrat and support Jennifer Dougherty and Barack Obama. I would support the Democratic ticket if the devil himself were on it. I am sure there are Republicans who feel the same way.


Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Election Worry
Roy Meachum
Readers may recall I take a certain pride in making up my mind well in advance about election personalities and issues. Not always, helas! This resolution on slot machines remains unresolved for me. I suspect I'm not alone. Please allow me to point out personal problems.


Unqualified To Be President – Part 2
Maude Franceschina
In yesterday’s column, I recited a litany of reasons Sen. Barack Obama is unqualified to be President of The United States. Today I’ll expand on that.

http://www.thetentacle.com/
20081105 This week in The Tentacle

Just Say “NO” to Slots

Just Say “NO” to Slots

by Kevin E. Dayhoff October 31, 2008 The Tentacle

There are two constitutional questions on the ballot next Tuesday. I will be voting “NO” on both. Question 2 will amend the state constitution to allow slots. Question 1 would amend the Maryland Constitution to allow early voting in Maryland.

In an earlier column I explained why I feel strongly that early voting in Maryland is not such a hot idea.

Question 2 is not nearly so black and white. I have a good number of well-intentioned and thoughtful friends and colleagues who are voting for slots, and almost an equal number of people who are just as responsible and well informed and are voting against slots.

After a great deal of thought, study, and research, I will be voting “NO.”

[…]

Maryland state government already has a pathological spending addiction and the current slots referendum only fuels the problem.

And there’s the rub. I cannot say it better than The Cecil Whig: “The people (who) are now trying to sell you slots are the same people (who) passed the largest tax increase in Maryland's history and said that it would solve our fiscal problems. They are the same people who said that there wouldn't be a BG&E rate hike…

[…]

20060000 OMalley BGE Ad

[…]

“If you believe the General Assembly will use the revenue generated from slots wisely, to lower taxes and control further spending, then we recommend you vote for it.

“But if you are concerned that legislators will waste the revenue from slots and citizens will not benefit with tax decreases and spending will again outpace tax revenues, then we recommend you vote against the referendum.”

[…]

Read the entire column here: Just Say “NO” to Slots

20081031 The Tentacle: Just Say NO to Slots

Vote Against Question 2!

Vote Against Question 2! BY Anthony J. O’Donnell – House of Delegates Republican Leader and Christopher B. Shank – House of Delegates Republican Whip

October 29, 2008

Over the last few months, the citizens of this state have been bombarded with a variety of myths regarding the slots constitutional amendment. There have been radio and television ads that warn ominously of tax hikes and cuts to education and public safety if slots are not authorized. This fear-mongering ad campaign is financed by a handful of individuals who will make a tremendous amount of money if this plan moves forward. Members of the Democratic leadership have made not-so-subtle threats to unions, community organizations, and other interest groups bullying them into supporting the amendment. Those voicing opposition to the amendment have been demonized. Even if you are in favor of slots coming to Maryland, when you push past the layers of rhetoric and look at this constitutional amendment in its entirety, it is clear that this is not the way slots should be authorized in this state. The House Republican Caucus opposes the slots constitutional amendment because it is a bad deal for the citizens of Maryland and does nothing to address the root causes of our fiscal problems. The House Republican Caucus has a slots plan ready to introduce that does not require a constitutional amendment and allows market forces and local input, rather than political favors and back room deals, to determine the locations.

The first myth that needs to be addressed is that Question 2 is a referendum on slots. Maryland does not have a provision for referenda. Question 2 is not an up or down vote on slots and voting against it does not prevent the authorization of slots in the future. Question 2 is an amendment to Maryland’s Constitution, the primary governing document of the State. This amendment not only authorizes slot machines but authorizes them in specific locations throughout the state. The locations and beneficiaries of the proposed slots plan were decided in a back-room closed process, with no consideration for market forces or the concerns of local governments. Once authorized, any changes to the slots program will require a constitutional amendment. There will be no way to address unforeseen problems that require changes, such as a problem with a particular location, until an election year when the citizens can vote to approve the changes. There is no need to authorize slot machines with a constitutional amendment and failure of this amendment does not mean that the General Assembly cannot come back in January and authorize a slot machine plan that benefits all of Maryland.

The second myth that needs to be addressed is that if the constitutional amendment fails, the only option will be more taxes and draconian cuts to deal with the $1 billion deficit we face in FY 2010. Another myth is that education funding will be enhanced or jeopardized depending on the passage or failure of this amendment. The truth is the constitutional amendment does not bring in significant revenues until 2012. The revenues that will be dedicated to education will be used to supplant monies already spent on education, not to increase overall education spending. The message being sold to the citizens by the Democratic leadership is slots OR taxes – the fact of the matter is, the economic situation, the current deficit, and the unwillingness of the majority to restrain spending will lead to slots AND taxes. In contrast, our slots plan will generate an immediate $850 million in upfront revenue in FY 10 that will fill a significant portion of the structural deficit. Our plan will bring in more revenue overall than the constitutional amendment. The House Republican slots plan, in combination with our budget proposal will not only eliminate any need for tax increases, but will allow for a repeal of the historic tax increase passed in 2007.

What the citizens of Maryland need to know is that this constitutional amendment is a bad deal for the taxpayers. It gives away slots licenses well below their market value to a handful of wealthy, politically well-connected individuals. In these tough economic times, and in the wake of the largest tax increase in Maryland’s history, that is grossly inappropriate and should not stand. The constitutional amendment will do nothing to address the $1 billion deficit and will not prevent new taxes. It allows the Democratic leadership in Annapolis to continue to recklessly spend money with no control or accountability. The taxpayers of Maryland do not have that luxury and neither should their elected leaders. It is time for the citizens of Maryland to say NO to Martin O’Malley, Mike Miller, and Mike Busch. No unjust enrichment for political patrons, no more reckless spending, no more threats, no more fear. The best option for our citizens is to vote AGAINST Question 2!

20081029 Vote Against Question 2

Washington Post editorial says No to slots … and so do I

Washington Post editorial says No to slots … and so do I

Sunday, October 19, 2008 – October 27, 2008

Hat Tip: Delusional Duck Maryland Southern Maryland

The Washington Post published an editorial on Sunday, October 19, 2008 that argued “No” to slots in the upcoming referendum to be held in Maryland on November 4th, 2008.

I think this is how I will be voting also. In spite of personal reservations about slots; I believe that I could’ve supported some of the formulations offering slots in Maryland under the previous administration.

At least I could’ve closed my eyes, held my breath, pinched my nose, and pushed the green button.

I happen to be old enough to remember slots and members of my family viewed them as harmless entertainment – and by and large, it was just that.

I never saw the ills that slots created for society and yet as I grew older I began to see that slots are a huge potential for harm to the fabric of the community.

Earlier proposals had more benefits than harms. I liked the revenue for agriculture and education and I certainly liked the jobs creation.

However, the current proposal is not very attractive in that there is not enough upside to the proposal to overcome the downside.

Overlooking for the moment that it places slots in the Maryland constitution where it does not belong; it appears that little of the revenue will go to help agriculture, or more specifically, the horse industry; way too little goes to education and too much goes to the general revenue fund coffers of Maryland state government.

Maryland state government already has a pathological spending addiction and the current legislation only fuels the problem as opposed to what a dedicated fund for ag and education would provide.

And there’s the rub.

Anyway, the Washington Post says: No on Maryland Slots:

Voters should oppose a referendum that would bring the machines -- and a host of maladies -- back to the state.

Sunday, October 19, 2008; B06

ON JULY 1, 1968, the last slot machines were wheeled out of the taverns and diners that dotted a stretch of Southern Maryland known as Little Vegas. Maryland banned the machines because they fostered crime and corruption and drained money from the poor. In the 40 years since, the lever on the side of the machine has given way to a button on the front, but the scourges ushered in by slots are the same.

Supporters of a Nov. 4 referendum that would restore slots to Maryland paper over these memories with dollar bills. Slots, they promise, will plug Maryland's $430 million budget gap, revive the faltering horse-racing industry and inject needed cash into schools. Marylanders shouldn't fall for this neon mirage.

[…]

Maryland had the good sense to rid itself of the machines 40 years ago, and voters should continue to resist the glow of slot machines and the false promise of pain-free revenue they represent.

[…]

Read the entire editorial here: No on Maryland Slots

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/18/AR2008101801534.html

20081019 Washington Post editorial says No to slots

Washington Post editorial says No to slots … and so do I

Washington Post editorial says No to slots … and so do I

Sunday, October 19, 2008 – October 27, 2008

Hat Tip: Delusional Duck Maryland Southern Maryland

The Washington Post published an editorial on Sunday, October 19, 2008 that argued “No” to slots in the upcoming referendum to be held in Maryland on November 4th, 2008.

I think this is how I will be voting also. In spite of personal reservations about slots; I believe that I could’ve supported some of the formulations offering slots in Maryland under the previous administration.

At least I could’ve closed my eyes, held my breath, pinched my nose, and pushed the green button.

I happen to be old enough to remember slots and members of my family viewed them as harmless entertainment – and by and large, it was just that.

I never saw the ills that slots created for society and yet as I grew older I began to see that slots are a huge potential for harm to the fabric of the community.

Earlier proposals had more benefits than harms. I liked the revenue for agriculture and education and I certainly liked the jobs creation.

However, the current proposal is not very attractive in that there is not enough upside to the proposal to overcome the downside.

Overlooking for the moment that it places slots in the Maryland constitution where it does not belong; it appears that little of the revenue will go to help agriculture, or more specifically, the horse industry; way too little goes to education and too much goes to the general revenue fund coffers of Maryland state government.

Maryland state government already has a pathological spending addiction and the current legislation only fuels the problem as opposed to what a dedicated fund for ag and education would provide.

And there’s the rub.

Anyway, the Washington Post says: No on Maryland Slots:

Voters should oppose a referendum that would bring the machines -- and a host of maladies -- back to the state.

Sunday, October 19, 2008; B06

ON JULY 1, 1968, the last slot machines were wheeled out of the taverns and diners that dotted a stretch of Southern Maryland known as Little Vegas. Maryland banned the machines because they fostered crime and corruption and drained money from the poor. In the 40 years since, the lever on the side of the machine has given way to a button on the front, but the scourges ushered in by slots are the same.

Supporters of a Nov. 4 referendum that would restore slots to Maryland paper over these memories with dollar bills. Slots, they promise, will plug Maryland's $430 million budget gap, revive the faltering horse-racing industry and inject needed cash into schools. Marylanders shouldn't fall for this neon mirage.

[…]

Maryland had the good sense to rid itself of the machines 40 years ago, and voters should continue to resist the glow of slot machines and the false promise of pain-free revenue they represent.

[…]

Read the entire editorial here: No on Maryland Slots

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/18/AR2008101801534.html

20081019 Washington Post editorial says No to slots

Red Maryland is against the Slots Amendment

Red Maryland is against the Slots Amendment

Sunday, September 28, 2008

We've done endorsements in the past, and we are here with another Red Maryland endorsement. Surprising no one I'm sure, Red Maryland is against the Slots Amendment and encourages you to vote no.

More: Red Maryland contributors explain their positions:

20080928 Red Maryland is against the Slots Amendment

http://redmaryland.blogspot.com/2008/09/red-maryland-is-against-slots-amendment.html

Statement from Governor Martin O'Malley on the Board of Revenue

Statement from Governor Martin O'Malley on the Board of Revenue Estimates

http://www.governor.maryland.gov/pressreleases/080909e.asp

BALTIMORE, MD (September 9, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley today issued the following statement following the Board of Revenue Estimates:

“Today, the Board of Revenue Estimates announced a budget shortfall for the current fiscal year and 2010. Given the national economic downturn, national foreclosure crisis, and the increased price of energy, gasoline and food, these revenue estimates are not unexpected; and we are preparing to bring hundreds of millions in cuts before the Board of Public Works in the coming weeks to address this challenge.”

“Given the national economy, other states are facing the same or significantly worse budget pictures. In fact, the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that at least 29 states are facing a total budget shortfall of $48 billion in FY 2009.”

“In Maryland, because of the tough decisions we made to protect public education, public heath and public safety, and expand opportunity for our middle class families, we are ahead of the game. Working with the General Assembly, we have already reduced spending by $1.8 billion and taken actions to address the structural deficit that we inherited.”

“Without these actions and tough decisions, our State would be facing an estimated $2.5 billion shortfall in FY 2010. Instead, Maryland is a facing a shortfall that is significantly less that is the result of a downturn in the national economy, not structural in nature.”

“We have worked hard to restore fiscal responsibility and accountability in Maryland over these last two years.”

“In 2008 and 2009, our state budget grew by less than 4 percent annually – less than the Spending Affordability Guidelines set by the General Assembly – compared to 22 percent in the last two years of our Republican predecessors.”

“We have already cut $1.8 billion from state spending, eliminated over 700 state positions, and yes, we have asked the people of Maryland to play a role in this solution by increasing the sales tax by a penny and enacting a more progressive income tax structure. The people of Maryland will also have an opportunity to vote on a slots referendum in November that is expected to provide an additional $650 million for public education in our State.”

“As we have worked together to address the structural deficit that we inherited, we will come together in the weeks ahead to address this latest budget challenge presented to us by our national economy; and we will do so in a way that recognizes the burden and challenges faced by our middle-class families as the cost of everything continues to rise even as wages remain stagnant.”

“The investments we have fought so hard to preserve in public education, public safety, and public health are intended for one purpose only – to strengthen and grow our middle class over the long-term and create a more sustainable future for our children.”

“This has been our goal from the beginning, and it will continue to guide the actions of this Administration as we work to address this latest challenge.”

20080909 St from O’Malley on the Brd of Revenue Estimates

The OC Dispatch: Slots Called 'Even Bet' With Two Months To Go

The OC Dispatch: Slots Called 'Even Bet' With Two Months To Go

By Shawn J. Soper, News Editor

Originally published September 5, 2008

OCEAN CITY – Despite strong rhetoric from an organized and vocal anti-slots contingent in the local area and across Maryland, the November referendum on the gaming machines appears to be an “even bet” with just under two months remaining before the election, resort business leaders heard this week.

The resort’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) this week hosted its bi-annual legislative summit, inviting its representatives in Annapolis including Sen. Lowell Stoltzfus and Delegates Norm Conway and Page Elmore, along with Ocean City Chamber of Commerce lobbyist Dennis Rasmussen to Ocean City for a frank discussion of important upcoming issues. Conspicuously absent was Delegate Jim Mathias, who is in Louisiana to assist with disaster relief efforts there in the wake of Hurricane Gustav.

Inevitably, the discussion at the meeting on Wednesday turned to the November referendum on slots, and the generally anti-slots local business community was not likely pleased when the race was handicapped. For years, certain segments of the Ocean City business community including the EDC and the chamber, along with the town’s elected officials, have made it known in no uncertain terms they are opposed to slots.

[…]


Voters across Maryland will likely settle the slots issue once and for all in November when they head to the polls to cast their ballots on a referendum question calling for an amendment to the state’s constitution to allow 15,000 of the gaming devices at five locations including Ocean Downs in Worcester County. The wording in the ballot question has been formally challenged because of the notion it unfairly paints a rosy picture of the benefits of slots without pointing out its potential downfalls, according to Stoltzfus.

“This issue is obviously very important to Ocean City,” he said. “The first thing to start with is the ballot language and it’s being challenged. It’s deliberately misleading and it’s wrong.”

Stoltzfus told EDC members on Wednesday the slots-for-schools premise is misleading because much of the revenue generated from the gaming machines will not go where it is supposed to go despite the language in the bill.

“The ballot language extols the virtues of the revenues going to education, but the reality is most of it is going into the general fund. The revenue will be swallowed up in the general fund and it could go to anything. The same thing happened to a large extent with the lottery.”

Read the entire article here: Slots Called 'Even Bet' With Two Months To Go

http://www.mdcoastdispatch.com/article.php?cid=30&id=4239

20080905 The OC Dispatch: Slots Called ‘Even Bet’ With Two Months To Go

EAGLE EXTRA: Slots Constitutional Amendment

EAGLE EXTRA: Slots Constitutional Amendment

http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/529/eagle%20extra:%20slots/

Posted 8/13/08

Explore Carroll – The website for the Westminster, Eldersburg, and Sunday Carroll Eagle has published the text of the legislation approved to create referendum on Slot Machines in Maryland

The following is the text of the legislation that was approved to create the referendum on Slot Machines in Maryland.

The measure is an Amendment to the State Constitution, and will face voters on the November ballot.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
By: Administration

AN ACT concerning

Video Lottery Terminals Authorization and Limitations

FOR the purpose of adding a new article to the Maryland Constitution to authorize video lottery terminal gaming in the State for the primary purpose of providing funds for public education; limiting the number of licenses that the State may issue to operate video lottery terminals; limiting the number of locations at which video lottery terminal facilities may be located; limiting the number of video lottery terminals that may be authorized in the State; providing that the statutory addition or expansion of forms of commercial gaming by the General Assembly is prohibited except as provided by this Act; defining a certain term; and submitting this amendment to the qualified voters of the State of Maryland for their adoption or rejection.

BY proposing an addition to the Maryland Constitution

New Article XIX Video Lottery Terminals

Find the entire text here: Slots Constitutional Amendment

20080813 EAGLE EXTRA Slots Constitutional Amendment