In response to the news the Arundel Mills casino will not be finished this year, Governor Martin O'Malley rebuked the developer by saying they 'broke their commitment". Is this code for the developer will now get a subsidy? Probably not. I think that only works for O'Malley's largest contributor, Penn Gaming, aka Maryland Jockey Club.
The Governor is mad because he irresponsibly planned on the revenue from the Maryland Live Casino for his derailed State budget.
The Casino construction has been delayed for almost two years because in part Governor O'Malley's refusal to support the legitimate license holder and instead backed Penn Gaming's initiative to defy the State Constitution and illegally award a second license without due process for the Laurel Park Racetrack.
Instead O'Malley was rebuked when the Anne Arundel citizens soundly voted to back due process and the State Constitution.
Governor O'Malley's rebukes should be directed towards all of his former staff members that have gone off to lobby for these special interests as well as holding himself accountable.
For a refresher of the history:
Maryland Jockey Club submitted an RFP for a casino without paying the necessary license fees (28 million dollars)
License awarded to the developer that submitted the RFP and license fees (Maryland Live)
MJC files suit to block awarding license (wants a rebid)
Anne Arundel County Council approves zoning (10 months of delays sponsored by MJC)
MJC sponsors a referendum petition drive (1 million dollars) to overturn zoning (6 month delay)
MJC bankrolls campaign for derailing approved zoning (8 million dollars)
Zoning referendum soundly approved by AA voters.
MJC sponsors suit against permits (3 month delay)
MJC/Penn Gaming pleads poverty- Governor O'Malley approves emergency legislation to give approximately 4 million a year as corporate welfare.
Maryland Live has a groundbreaking that Governor O'Malley does not attend.
O'Malley acts surprised that the Maryland Casino is not open (4 months after groundbreaking).
Who really should be rebuked for breaking commitments?
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