Maryland ranks last in pace of job creation, Governor ranks first as indifferent

Maryland ranks last in pace of job creation

Estimates show a nearly 20,000-job loss in past 12 months, but more are finding work — perhaps out of state

By Jamie Smith Hopkins, The Baltimore Sun

9:36 p.m. EDT, June 17, 2011

"Hampered by a slowdown in federal spending, Maryland came in dead last in the nation for its pace of job creation over the past year, shedding almost 1 percent of its employment base — nearly 20,000 positions — the U.S. Department of Labor reported.
The figures released Friday show declines in Maryland in eight of the past 12 months. Twenty-two states added jobs during the past year."

Maryland is the richest state in the United States. For Governor O'Malley to have us last in job creation is reprehensible or incompetent.
There is no way to explain Maryland's ranking last in job creation other than the oft-cited charge against O'Malley that his first objective is helping his corporate friends (donors) such as Penn Gaming, who keep their
their jobs and profits fully intact in Charlestown, West Virginia.
Martin O'Malley should realize his continued indifference to the people of Maryland will cost him when he makes an attempt for national office.

"No means No"

In 2007, Penn National was buying Rosecroft. Prince Georges officials and voters made it clear there was not to be additional gaming at the site and Penn Gaming backed out. 
Now Penn National Gaming is back in, trying again to get slots at the raceway.
The problem for the trio of "Horse Lovers" mentioned above, is the residents, elected officials, and voters of Prince Georges County have adamantly said "NO" means "NO". 


Below is a letter from over thirty civic, business, and clergy leaders sent to Governor O'Malley; reminding him that "No" means "No"

It's déjà vu all over again

As Yogi Berra famously said: "It's déjà vu all over again"



Penn National Gaming, with the backing of Governor O'Malley (and Mike Miller), could give a hoot or care less about the Horse Racing Industry or Rosecroft.
In 2007, Penn National was buying Rosecroft. Prince Georges officials and voters made it clear there was not to be additional gaming at the site and Penn Gaming backed out. 
Now Penn National Gaming is back in, trying again to get slots at the raceway.
The problem for the trio of "Horse Lovers" mentioned above, is the residents, elected officials, and voters of Prince Georges County have adamantly said "NO" means "NO". 

Penn's Empty Promises Part III

PNGI Won't Purchase Maryland Track

By Tom LaMarra

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Penn National Gaming Inc. said Nov. 28 it will not purchase Rosecroft Raceway, a Maryland harness track, in light of the fact the facility will not be eligible for slot machines under legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly.
PNGI, in a statement, said “pursuant to its rights under the purchase agreement” it will not to move forward with the acquisition of Rosecroft, which is located just south of Washington, D.C., and just east of Northern Virginia....
Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/42231/pngi-wont-purchase-maryland-track#ixzz1O2WGL0b2

Penn National close to selling Maryland Jockey Club stake

Rachel Bernstein
Daily Record Business Writer

May 17, 2011 

Penn National Gaming Inc. is close to divesting its 49-percent share of the Maryland Jockey Club, including its ownership of Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park....


Penn National bought its share of the jockey club a year ago with the intent of getting slots approved at Laurel Park. Those plans were quashed when Anne Arundel County voters approved a zoning referendum that effectively gave The Cordish Cos. the right to build a casino at Arundel Mills...


Read more: http://thedailyrecord.com/2011/05/17/penn-national-close-to-selling-maryland-jockey-club-stake/

Penn National applies for license to resume live racing at Rosecroft

Racing would start in July if approved by racing commission

By Andrea K. Walker, The Baltimore Sun

May 6, 2011

... Penn National bought bankrupt Rosecroft in January in an $11 million cash deal outbidding two others, including attorney and Orioles owner Peter Angelos. When purchasing the track, Penn National said it intended to restart racing there...

Schippers said Penn National still thinks slots will eventually need to be allowed at Rosecroft to make it financially viable.
Penn National opened the first slots casino last year in Cecil County and also bought stakes at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, with hopes of bringing slots to Laurel. It eventually wants to do the same at Rosecroft, but Prince George's County is not one of the five designated locations for slots in the state...
Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-penn-rosecroft-application-20110506,0,3985214.story