Anne Arundel County Council members hear from the public this week on a proposal for a slots parlor near Arundel Mills Mall. The bid is the largest the state has received. It calls for more than 4,700 out of approximately 6,500 slot machines proposed.
Council members, are split over the proposal. Councilman Joshua Cohen opposes the bid. He says voters approved a referendum for slots at race tracks, rather than at malls.
County Executive John Leopold told the Washington Post he supports the proposal because it could generate revenue for the county, which is struggling with a budget shortfall.
State lawmakers are eyeing potential tax revenues as well. Maryland's Senate President, Thomas Mike Miller, says the state's budget is in the hands of the council members. He called that "kind of scary."
The council will hold a public hearing on the issue Thursday.
Rebecca Blatt reports...
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