Breaking Out the Brass

Thursday, September 27, 2007

LAUREL PARK

Slots Likely, Business Leaders Told

Slot machines at the Laurel Park racecourse will probably be part of the solution to closing the state's projected $1.7 billion deficit, legislators told Laurel business leaders Sept. 19.

About 25 small-business owners attended a 90-minute question-and-answer session at the Laurel Municipal Pool meeting room with Del. Barbara A. Frush (D), chairman of the Prince George's County House delegation, and Sen. James C. Rosapepe (D), who represents the Laurel area in Annapolis. The state leaders were invited to brief the business owners on legislative matters, and the conversation focused mostly on slots.

Bob Mignon, owner of Minuteman Press on Main Street, said Maryland conceded the moral argument against slots by creating a state lottery in 1973. It would be foolish not to pursue more lucrative gambling programs such as slots and casinos, he said.

"As long as it's regulated and it's a safe environment and secure, why not?" Mignon asked.

Marilyn Johnson, owner of Marilyn Johnson Sewing and Design on Lafayette Avenue, opposes slots. She said any benefits would be outweighed by an increase in crime, traffic and gambling addictions. She also raised concerns that slots could spread to other areas and bring casino boats to the Chesapeake Bay.

Legalizing slot machines could be a part of the deficit-reduction package Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) began unveiling last week.

The more than 100 members of the Laurel Board of Trade, whose headquarters is on Main Street barely a mile from the racetrack, have not taken a formal position on slots, said Stephen McAdams, the organization's administrative coordinator.

Mike Gathagan, a spokesman for Laurel Park's operator, the Maryland Jockey Club, said the racetrack is on board with the governor's effort. "We plan on supporting the governor's plan for the state and our industry," he said.

A special session on the budget is possible in early November, Rosapepe said. Both he and Frush said they and their colleagues are committed to a long-term budget solution, not a quick, one-year fix.

-- Steve Earley, Gazette Staff Writer

FAIRMONT HEIGHTS

Three Council Members Selected

Three residents were selected to fill vacant Fairmount Heights Town Council seats Sept. 18 at a special meeting.

Carolyn M. Boston, Patricia Ukkundo'Oohwaka and Latanza McCoy were sworn in during the regular town hall meeting the next day. Boston and Ukkundo'Oohwaka will serve for one year; McCoy will serve for two years.

Council member Dean Cookes, who arrived late to the special meeting and missed the vote, initially said the selection of the new members was invalid because the board lacked a quorum. By the time he arrived at the Sept. 18 meeting, Mayor Madeline Richardson and council members Nathaniel Mines and Jacqueline Wood-Dodson had voted. Town Attorney Karren Pope-Onwukwe said that because Fairmount Heights allows the mayor a vote on the council, there was a majority.

Cookes said he did not learn about the Sept. 18 meeting until shortly before it occurred -- an accusation other council members denied. Wood-Dodson said Cookes was informed of the meeting during a Sept. 11 work session.

"Everyone that was there . . . can attest we were to come last night to do what was being done," Wood-Dodson said. "And out of his mouth, he said, 'Mayor, I've got your back on that.' That's on tape."

The new members will fill the seats vacated by Carlisa Brooks, Richard Saxon and Richardson. Richardson was elected mayor; Brooks left for personal reasons; and Saxon left for health reasons.

Cookes said he wants to move past the disagreement and focus on getting to know his newest colleagues.

-- Natalie McGill, Gazette Staff Writer