Support For Stadium Goes Global

Soccer is an international game, but Maryland lawmakers never imagined that fans of the sport from around the world would weigh in on whether Prince George's County should become home to a new professional stadium for D.C. United.

Del. Justin D. Ross (D-Prince George's) said e-mails from as far as Germany and Spain have landed in his inbox, all hoping to persuade him to vote for legislation that would authorize the Maryland Stadium Authority to sell bonds to construct the stadium in the county.

The e-mails began arriving after D.C. United President Kevin Payne sent a letter to the team's fans.

"We need your help! Several groups who oppose our stadium are bombarding Maryland state and county legislators with e-mails and letters asking them to block our proposed new stadium," the letter said. "Perhaps the up-beat news conference several weeks ago caused our supporters to think this was a done deal -- but nothing could be further from the truth.

"It's time for you to weigh in strongly and let them know of your support for our stadium plans! It doesn't matter where you live -- if you support us and want to see us in the type of stadium our club and our fans deserve, you need to take action now!"

Ross said he also has received e-mails from residents in his district. He said that "the critical mass" is against the proposal but that he also has heard from some supporters.

Ross said he is undecided.

County Executive Seeks State Help Raising Funds

About a week after his proposal to increase property taxes failed, Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D) is headed back to Annapolis with new measures to raise funds for the county.

During the unveiling of his proposed 2010 spending plan this week, Johnson said Prince George's desperately needs more revenue to pay for core services, such as public safety and education.

He said he intends to push to transfer funding of school buses to the Washington Suburban Transit District, which would save the county about $30 million. Del. Aisha N. Braveboy (D-Prince George's) and Del. Justin D. Ross (D-Prince George's) have also introduced legislation that would allow the county to transfer to its budget about $30 million from the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission's surplus.

"We'll only be successful if the members of the General Assembly approve these pieces of legislation," Johnson said. "We can't duck from this. We can't wish it away."

During a news conference, Johnson said he has spoken to Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) about several proposals that could draw money for the county. They include a plan that would allow money from the federal stimulus package to be used for Prince George's Hospital Center, which would free up some of the county money spent on the hospital system, and a proposal for the county to receive income tax money that goes to the state.