Anne Arundel, Cordish, MJC/LRL jostling; Mall slots zoning OK'd

[asudevil]

Alan Foreman sounds like a great guy who has an undying love for our industry. Lord knows racing could use 20 Alan Foreman's.

I disagree with Foreman on a portion of his interview. When Steve and Alan were tracing back the steps of Maryland's demise, Foreman was quick to lay all the blame on Magna. This was coming way before Magna. Magna was just the straw that broke.......
In the mid to late 90's, Maryland (Governor Glendening and Co.) was fully aware of what was happening in the surrounding states. They sat back idly for 10 plus years and did nothing! I know that Las Vegas gaming companies reached out to the state way before Magna and they were basically told to take a hike. The Delaware Handicap purse reached a million bucks. Charlestown built a great casino/hotel that is only a 50 minute drive from greater DC. Then more recently Philly Park. It didn't matter if the purchaser was Magna or another group....the state screwed up.

It's a real shame to see the industry crumble. Thousands of jobs will be affected. Not to mention the tradition of the Preakness.

[phystech]

I agree that all of this can't be laid at Magna's feet.

If I had to finger someone, it would be Joe DeFrancis. Years ago, when Glendenning was Gov, there was some movement on a slots deal and it seemed that it was going to get done. Then Baltimore Mayor, Kurt Schmoke, made an announcement about Glendenning supporting a slots deal whereby they'd be put at the tracks.

http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-56837209.html (Note the date - 1996)

Glendenning was on vacation at the time and when he returned, he was fuming. He swore that slots would never come to MD as long as he was Gov.

Then there was the issue where Joe arranged for campaign contributions to the Glendenning campaign that exceeded campaign limits. Joe eventually was indicted

http://articles.baltimoresun.com/199...cis-race-track

and he got a slap on the wrist and a fine, but Glendenning ended up with egg on his face and was hell-bent on putting Joe out of business.

There are many others within the current MD House and Senate that remain at odds with Joe and if he returns as the track's owner......

[Kasept]

Interesting "Fact/Fiction" on Laurel and Anne Arundel slots..
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/new...e-elusive.html