The bad budget news just keeps coming out of Annapolis. Sales tax revenue (remember the tax that went from 5% to 6% in January of this year) seems to be lagging to the tune of close to $75 million so far this year according to an article in the Baltimore Sun. We're all wondering how much Delaware's retail sales have gone up this year!

So I've got some advice for anyone who may be wavering on the slots referendum. Ignore the antics of slots opponents who in desperation for publicity are trying to change the wording of the referendum. The wording (written by the MD Secretary of State) is not up for debate so clearly this is a desperate ploy to attract media attention, and sadly it worked since here I am writing about it.

So vote for slots or there will be a nasty combination of budget cuts and tax increases again next year. Mark my word!

By: peter

A recent article in the Annapolis Capital newspaper, Tactics questioned in immigrant raids - Top Stories - (HometownAnnapolis.com) highlights the absurdity of our Country's current immigration laws.

But even more disturbing then the accounts of the brutality in how the immigration raids were conducted are the comments of "citizens" attached to the article. The level of vitriol on this topic seems to exceed all others. Why the rage and anger on this issue on the part of American citizens? What happened to "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free"?

Too make this even more interesting the Eduardo mentioned in the article (one of those arrested and awaiting deportation) painted our house last year. From our personal experience and interaction we found him and his painting partner to be considerate, responsive, trustworthy and friendly. Why is there no recourse for Eduardo to stay in this country, work at a job no American wants and try to live the American Dream. The whole point of the American Dream is to improve your status in life. Is there a dream shortage? Don't all immigrants have something positive to offer our society? I'd say yes.

However the lack of action by Congres ... this is an abbreviated post. Read the entire article.

By: peter

So what do you do when your employer (candidate) drops out of a race he probably could have won? You start consulting on various causes since you have to make a living. Scott Arceneaux, the former Doug Duncan campaign manager and darling of James Carville who came North to take on Martin O'Malley is senior advisor to the anti-slots group, Marylanders United to Stop Slots. A number of other former Duncan aides are also working for the group.

In two emails I've received from MUSS (I suppose because I was on Duncan's email list) there has been a grassroots theme to resists slots and some spurious arguments that gambling increases crime rates. While casino gambling does seem to increase crime in nearby areas, a few slot machines at race tracks (uh, don't they have gambling there already) are not going to turn Laurel into a sleazy, crime infested den of gambling addicts.

The simple answer to the Maryland slots debate is the Democratic administration wants dollars so let them have slots and the revenue. They are going to get their revenue to expand government one way or another, either from slots or from additional tax increases. I think we've had enough tax hikes so let in the "one armed bandits"!

By: peter

A new article on the Washington Post chronicles the "missteps" of the restoration programs of State and Federal agencies. It reads like a classic story of government blunders. Creating unattainable goals, not listening to citizen experts (in this case watermen), and a lack of collaboration/cooperation with other government agencies that have had success (Corps of Engineers).

With tax dollars being spent at an ever increasing rate on Bay restoration and cleanup and more and more legislation being passed during every General Assembly session some results should be forthcoming. Patience is wearing thin with the lack of progress with the Bay cleanup. More drastic measures may have to be implemented or at least discussed. It's difficult to imagine positive results with some many competing goals such as maintaining fisheries, accommodating more population growth, allowing further development in critical areas, lack of enforcement of existing environmental regulations and reduction of promised cleanup funds to name a few.

The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak on the Bay cleanup issue. Is there a politician out there with the courage, will and fore ... this is an abbreviated post. Read the entire article.

By: peter

In his last slate of bill signings (PDF), Governor Martin O'Malley ignored a request by Catholic Archbishop of Baltimore, Edwin O'Brien to veto bills giving additional rights to non-married couples or domestic partners. The non veto got little play in the mainstream press such as the Baltimore Sun but was mentioned in an article in the Archdiocesan newspaper, The Catholic Review.

It is interesting to note that O'Malley could have allowed both bills to become law without the very public and definitive act of signing them. In Maryland law, all bills become effective within 30 days unless specifically vetoed by the Governor. A non signing and non veto could have at least placated Archbishop O'Brien somewhat but would likely have resulted in increased media attention, something O'Malley most likely wanted to avoid.

By: peter

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine must be a masochist. He currently enjoys fairly high approval ratings (51% positive) according to Rasmussen Reports. He must have gazed across the river and decided his ratings were too high or felt pity for his neighbor and fellow Democrat, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley whose positive ratings are in the 30% range. By calling a special session (Step 1) to decide on a tax increase (Big Step 2), Governor Kaine is sure to see his numbers slip.

What he is doing that Governor O'Malley failed to do, is discuss the plan at Town Hall meetings across the State of Virginia and target the tax increase to specific areas with a specific purpose. Kaine is looking for a "Win-Win" according to the Washington Post but most likely Virginia voters will see the special session as a sham politically motivated stunt and certainly not be happy about a sizable tax increase.

By: peter