Howard council members agree that the slots issue is for the state delegation to tackle, but their responses were mixed on whether Howard should get the machines.
“It?s a state level discussion that has to take place,” said Councilwoman Courtney Watson, D-District 1, adding she would not welcome slots in Howard.
Gov. Martin O?Malley proposed slot machines as a key part of his plan to cut the $1.7 billion budget deficit.
Council Chairman Calvin Ball, D-District 2, agreed the discussion is in the hands of the state legislators.
“If that were something we as local leaders needed to look at, I would have to evaluate the details a little more than I have, given that it?s a current state issue,” he said.
The conversation over slots hasn?t taken place yet in Howard, Ball said.
“If it were to be something that moves forward, I would like to hear from our community members and have an open dialogue,” he said.
For Councilman Greg Fox, R-District 5, slots “could be part of the mix” when dealing with the budget deficit, but agreed with the Senate Republican Caucus which said the special session isn?t the appropriate place to have the discussion and the issue needs time to be reviewed.
“That needs to be part of an overall look at the budget,” Fox said.
As for slots in his county, Fox said, “I am not sure where you would do it in Howard.”
Councilwoman Jen Terrasa, D-District 3, also said she didn?t “envision Howard County getting slots,” but her support would depend where they would be located.
“My feelings about slots are mixed,” she said, adding that given the issue?s contentiousness, it should be put to a voter referendum.
Councilwoman Mary Kay Sigaty, D-District 4, could not be reached for comment.
