| Slots defeated in state legislature By Erik Alsgaard UMConnection Staff Legislation that would have allowed more than 10,000 slot machines at four Maryland horse racing tracks was defeated by the Maryland House of Delegates Ways and Means Committee April 4, 16-5. Opponents of slots are celebrating the victory, but also sounding a warning. The vote was a tremendous victory, especially for (House) Speaker (Michael) Busch, said Carol Colbeth, legislative advocate in Annapolis for the Baltimore-Washington Conference. He took on the two titans of Annapolis (Gov. Robert Ehrlich and senate President Mike Miller) and won. The very sad thing, she said, is that vulnerable people will be hurt by program cuts this year. We tried to rely on gimmicks to fix the budget. The governor is failing to admit that Maryland needs more revenue to provide the essential government services we all want. That will be our challenge in the next sessionwe must build the political resolve among our members to bring these real needs forward. Speaker Busch needs to be highly commended for standing up for what is right, said Barbara Knicklebein, co-chair of NOcasiNO Maryland, a grass-roots anti-casino group. Knicklebein is a United Methodist from Glen Burnie. The speaker needs to hear from all of us who are in support of his courageous stand because the proponents (of slots) are urging their people to call him. Casino slots in particular, and gambling in general, are evils that call upon chance and greed, said the Rev. Mamie A. Williams, superintendent of the Annapolis District. Our human spirits need to be inspired and lifted up, not demeaned and devastated. More taxes for a better educated population are wiser than less taxes on the backs of greed and chance. I pray that creative minds continue to fight this potential menace to our community. | 
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