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Nov 6, 2008 7:24 pm US/Eastern
Slots Resistance Continues After 'Yes' Vote
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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The state is moving into the next phase of putting slots at five locations in Maryland, and some are already planning to put up resistance.
The state is moving into the next phase of putting slots at five locations in Maryland, and some are already planning to put up resistance.
Political reporter Pat Warren says controversy is brewing in Anne Arundel County.
Fifty-nine percent of Maryland voters said "yes" to slots.
"I think it's a good thing. It'd be nice to see the money that's going to other states that have slots, stick around in Maryland for once," said Will Kirby.
But slots opponents may not be finished.
"We're gonna continue to fight for the important things for Maryland families and Maryland's future," said Aaron Meisner.
The battle may move from voting to zoning.
"I suppose it's within any individual's right to hire a lawyer and to sue and slow things up if they like," said Governor Martin O'Malley.
The Maryland Jockey Club is already into the paperwork to bid on a license for slots at Laurel Park.
"There's a myriad of issues that we have to face," said Tom Chuckas, Md. Jockey Club.
One of them is zoning approval. In Anne Arundel County, Jaime Benoit plans to put up a fight.
"It's not a battle I necessarily want to fight, but it looks like it's going to come down to that. We're going to have a land use battle," said Benoit.
Benoit believes the Laurel location is too close to the residential areas, although 60 percent of Anne Arundel County residents voted in favor of slots.
Benoit says there are approximately 60 square miles in Anne Arundel County that fall within the perimeters outlined by the state, and other locations could be considered.
Allegany, Worcester and Cecil Counties and Baltimore City are the other statewide sites for slots.
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