Many thanks to you, Les, and Reid for tackling the controversial and complicated matter of slots. It appears that the three of you did due diligence in exploring all aspects and engaging the right parties to make an informed decision about how best to proceed. While X% of the community grants will not be specifically carved out for Ocean Pines, your efforts accomplished several things, including: demonstrating a commitment to the community to investigate such matters and reminding legislators not to overlook Ocean Pines in this or other matters. The fact that the amount of potential money is in the hundreds of thousands, not millions, should not be overlooked either. While it is significant money, all county residents need to look at these types of figures to understand that the potential "revenue" coming back to the county may not be sufficient or worth the effort to offset the tangible and intangible impact of slots.

I've been knocking on the doors of the State and local legislators in hopes of a stakeholders forum so we can learn first hand some of the facts you've uncovered and more, and as individual residents, can make an informed decision at referendum time. For example, some of the slot revenue projections I've come across tied to the legislation indicate a $3M investment by the State the first year of slots and revenue increasing over the next several years, up to $422M in 2012--remember, the overriding push for slots is to address a $500M education deficit. On the other hand, the $.01 increase in MD sales tax is projected to generate $315M in FY08 and $687M in FY 2009. While I'm not suggesting increased sales tax per se, at least the whole state is shepherding the burden of the budget situation instead of 5 target areas whose combined State education contributions, don't represent the State's majority. Now this particular scenario may not resonate with the bigger counties whose votes will dictate the final outcome--other information, such as the validity of the revenue projections for slots, decreased revenue projections for the lottery, long-term potential to expand to gaming tables, etc. may.   

In terms of next steps for Ocean Pines as a community, your concluding statement get good representation on the 15-member Local development Council (we need to get our fair share of the 11 slots that are open for people in the immediate proximity to the slots facility), and represent OPA's case before our County Commissioners, is right on target. Hopefully, through the efforts of yourself, Les, and Reid, not to mention others, invitations will be forthcoming.

Thanks again.

Cheryll Bissell