Tidings (good and bad) from Annapolis

by David Grand
February 17, 2005

Rather than spreading out the following newsworthy items over several columns, I've lumped them together. Presenting them in summary form is easier for me, and for you digest at one sitting, without having to run to the medicine cabinet as often.

• Ehrlich upstaged by Busch. In the game of one-upsmanship they're playing over legalizing slots, Busch's latest ploy, designed to eliminate the need for them altogether, caught Ehrlich flat-footed. Under his plan, that'd be doable by (1) rolling back that $166 million property tax hike of 2003; (2) tapping the rainy day fund for $100 million, of the $250 million surplus that Ehrlich would put in that reserve fund; and (3) closing that gaping loophole that allows companies to avoid paying a real estate transfer tax when selling property (costing the state upwards of $60 million per year).
• Comment: No doubt Marylanders, who are still shell shocked over their property tax skyrocketing, would view that rollback as manna from heaven, and wouldn't give a tinker's damn even if it doesn't provide for the state's long-term spending needs. And if the Republican legislators, who pride themselves on being fisical conservatives turn their backs on Busch's proposal, they'd be the ones who'd have to wear the mantle of the tax and spend party, not the Democrats.
• Horse-racing industry enters the ring.  Instead of remaining as spectators to the third, bareknuckles bout between Ehrlich and Busch, they've offered a plan for reviving their industry that could result in bringing that brutal, prolonged fight over slots to an end. In their 15-page plan, they indicated they'd put the proceeds they received to increasing purses, and creating a fund to supplement breeders, so as to be on a level playing field with neighboring states. And being flush with slots cash they say would allow Maryland to compete to host the the prestigious Breeder's Cup and to turn Preakness Week into "a national festival of racing."
• Comment:   I'm sure they were encouraged by Busch stating that it was the most substanstive response he's received to date, as to how that industry would demonstrate its intentions to revive that sport with the introduction of slots at the tracks; and were further heartened by Senate President Miller saying, "the fact that everyone in the racing industry have come to an agreement on a formula for success speaks volumes." Personally, I believe what will finally tip the balance in favor of slots will be the influence that that power broker Peter Angelos is able to exert in the legislature, what with his  family recently purchasing that ailing Rosecroft track. He's not going to stand idly by and watch their investment go down the tubes for want of slots. A loser he ain't.
• Re-runs of proposed bans.  For the second time, those wanting to ban hunting bears of all ages for trophies and rugs are on the warpath, with bumper stickers and badges bearing their rallying cry, "No Bear Hunt." And for the fourth time in a row, those lawmakers who want smoking banned in all state bars and restaurants (like it is in Montgomery Couny) are confident that this year they have the best chance yet to succeed, arguing that if it can be done in New York City, Delaware, and in all of the Irish and Italian bars, it's time for Maryland to hop aboard the "no smoking" bandwagon.
• Comment: As regards banning hunting black bears, specifically in Garrett and Allegany counties, I'm afraid those animal rights groups might as well be talking to the wind as trying to convince the Department of Natural Resources to change its mind. And that those walking "air purifiers" as I call 'em will once again find their anti-smoking crusade going up in smoke. But you can bet your bippy they'll be back next year, radiating even more confidence.

Stay tuned for updates on the slash-and-burn politics in that city by the bay.