County Executives Baker, Leggett, and Ulman Urge Support for Question 7

In 2006, Rushern Baker promised:

"I will never allow slots or any form of legalized gambling in Prince George's County."

And in 2010, Rushern Baker promised:

"I have also released a comprehensive list of initiatives I will take in my first thirty days." ...The County will create an office of Inspector General to investigate waste, fraud, abuse, mismanagement and conflicts-of-interest in the County government. [more]"

Although I foolishly believed him at the time, Rushern Baker has not kept either of those promises. 

The whole process culminating in Question 7 was corrupt and fraught with conflicts of interest.

Rushern Bakers's broken promises led us to this point, so why should we believe any of his new promises about the alleged benefits of gambling?

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:  PressRoom@co.pg.md.us
Date: Thu, Sep 20, 2012 at 5:00 PM
Subject: County Executives Baker, Leggett, and Ulman Urge Support for Question 7

Press Release

For Immediate Release:

September 20, 2012

For Information Contact:

Scott L. Peterson, Prince George's County Executive Baker

(240) 619-9400

Patrick Lacefield, Montgomery County Executive Leggett

240-777-6504

Kevin Enright, Howard County Executive Ulman

410-313-2022

County Executives Baker, Leggett, and Ulman Urge Support for Question 7

Leaders of Montgomery, Howard and Prince George's Counties Say Gaming Referendum Will Boost Revenue and Create Jobs for the State

Silver Spring, MD – Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III was joined today by Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and Howard County Executive Ken Ulman to voice their support for Question 7, the referendum to expand gaming in Maryland that was approved by Governor O'Malley and the General Assembly. 

County Executives Baker, Leggett, and Ulman convened a press conference in Montgomery County to explain how approval of Question 7 represents an opportunity for each of their jurisdictions to boost funding for public schools and create new jobs and economic development opportunities throughout Maryland.

"As I have said before, Question 7 is not about gaming and casinos in Prince George's County.  It is about creating jobs and revenue for the State of Maryland," said Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III. "Failure to pass Question 7 would mean that we would be saying no to new revenue sources that will protect our investments in critical areas like public education.  And failure to pass Question 7 would mean that we would be saying no to increased economic development and jobs. 

The Maryland Department of Legislative Services projects that under Question 7, about 1,600 new jobs could be created at Maryland's already approved casino locations. The approval of a destination resort casino in Prince George's County under Question 7 is projected to add 2,000 new construction jobs, and more than 4,000 permanent jobs once in operation.

"A vote for Question 7 is a vote for more business and more jobs for Maryland," said Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett. "It boosts our State's tax base and keeps Maryland dollars here at home. No wonder out-of-state gambling interests from West Virginia and elsewhere are looking to choke off economic development here. They want our money. We should keep it here -- boosting our businesses, our schools, and our communities."

County Executive Baker said he was grateful for the support from County Executives Leggett and Ulman for what will represent a major economic development initiative in Prince George's County and State of Maryland.

"I've long believed that Prince George's County was the right location for a premier entertainment facility. The economic boost provided by a world-class casino in Prince George's will help the entire state of Maryland," said Howard County Executive Ken Ulman. "There will be thousands of construction jobs created when Question 7 passes, and thousands more good-paying jobs when the casino opens. We can't afford to let those jobs go to neighboring states."

  
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