20071009 Dan Gainor: Gov. O'Malley can't get a handle on state's slots issue

Gov. O'Malley can't get a handle on state's slots issue

Oct 9, 2007 by Dan Gainor, The Examiner

http://www.examiner.com/a-978936~Dan_Gainor__Gov__O_Malley_can_t_get_a_handle_on_state_s_slots_issue.html

Gov. Martin O'Malley. He's using the state's $1.7 billion deficit to try and rework our entire tax structure - and spend a couple hundred million extra. Rather than push for true belt-tightening in government (Does anybody even know what that means?), O'Malley pulled together a hate-the-rich package that raises almost every tax you can imagine and encourages wealthy people to move out of state.

The "plan" is a classic smoke-filled-room result. Now O'Malley expects the legislature and the abused public to acquiesce. And he wants it done in a special session just prior to the regular session to minimize debate.

The GOP makes it clear it only approved slots because Republican Gov. Bob Ehrlich asked nicely and didn't spend like a teen with her dad's credit card. GOP members say they especially oppose a special session because it's designed to raise taxes. Duh. Of course it is. Everything O'Malley does now is designed to raise taxes.

Read the entire commentary here: Gov. O'Malley can't get a handle on state's slots issue