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

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“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