Looks like Peter Franchot may keep the meetings of the Board of Public Works lively even if he avoids the comments that got outgoing Comptroller William Donald Schaefer into trouble. According to both the Post and the Sun, Franchot didn't discuss the state's bond rating but instead focused on his opposition to slots and support for the environment. Senate President Mike Miller, the foremost advocate for slots in Maryland, was not pleased:
Talking about projected future deficits, Franchot said, "I will continue to argue -- and use the power of my office -- to oppose any solution that includes the reintroduction of slot machines into our great state. We've been down that road before -- and, frankly, it was a disaster."Who says you need two-party government to have fierce arguments in Annapolis?
The speech drew a sharp response from Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, a fellow Democrat who supports slot machines.
"He'll quickly learn that his job is a tax collector, not a policy maker," Miller told reporters after Franchot's speech. "Slots are going to happen whether he likes it or not, it's as simple as that."
