A proposal to put a slot machine operation in the White Marsh area of Baltimore County was floated to county lawmakers by a Harford County businessman Saturday.
But the county executive and delegates who represent the area reacted coolly to the idea, as did the chairman of the subcommittee that handles gambling issues in the House of Delegates.
James Dresher, who has developed a hotel and restaurants in the area, told the Baltimore County delegates that he was interested in creating an entertainment complex that would include 2,500 slot machines.
“I?m willing to look at any ideas to raise money without raising taxes,” said Democratic Del. Eric Bromwell, chairman of the Baltimore County delegates.
“Baltimore County was being mentioned again as a slots location,” and “we want to be prepared.”
However, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith is “not interested in additional sites,” said his spokesman Don Mohler.
Gov. Martin O?Malley proposed and the Senate approved putting slot machines in Cecil, Anne Arundel and Allegany counties, Baltimore City and one near Ocean City.
Voters would get to approve or reject the plan next year. The House is expected to begin debate on O?Malley?s slots proposal today.
“Tinkering with the proposal now would endanger the referendum,” Mohler said.
Del. Patrick McDonough, R-Harford and Baltimore counties, whose district includes the I-95 corridor in eastern Baltimore County, said, “I don?t see anything good to us” in the proposal. If a county location gets into the constitution, as the referendum would do, “we can?t get it out.”
Del. Joseph Boteler III, R-Baltimore County, was concerned about the impact Dresher?s proposal would have on businesses.
“Are we going to kill the whole shopping area” at White Marsh? he asked. “It?s become a centerpiece for Baltimore County.”
