OUR SAY: Local voters have last word on slots A promising idea | Maryland Gazette (HometownGlenBurnie.com)

So we would have been happier if Maryland's Nov. 4 referendum item on legalizing slots were explicitly worded to bar them in any county where they are rejected by a majority of voters. But a provision in the referendum proposal requires that any slots facility "comply with all applicable planning and zoning laws of the local jurisdiction."

Slots are not a permitted use in this county's zoning. So, even if the referendum passes, carrying out the state plan for up to 4,700 slots within two miles of the Baltimore Washington Parkway would require a zoning change. And that would need approval by four of the seven members of the County Council.

Two members of the council - including Councilman Jamie Benoit, who represents the area that would get the slots - have come out against the referendum. Other council members, as well as County Executive John Leopold, are taking a wait-and-see stance. They are clearly going to be influenced not just by whether Maryland voters as a whole pass the referendum, but by whether county voters support it.

We remain convinced that slots are a bad idea not just for Anne Arundel County but for every square inch of Maryland. The wildly optimistic revenue projections do not mention that much of this money would be diverted not from out-of-state slots parlors, but from local businesses. Those estimates also don't include increased expenses for policing, social services and infrastructure. Councilman Josh Cohen is correct when he describes slots as an unfunded mandate.

And, as Mr. Benoit pointed out, it would be stupid to bring slots into an area that, with the upcoming base expansion at Fort Meade, has an excellent chance of attracting defense industries and other high-tech enterprises. The well-educated and family-oriented workforce brought by such employers won't want to live near a giant slots parlor.

The referendum ought to be defeated. But if it isn't, there's a last line of defense - if county residents vote no.

THE WASHINGTON, D.C., public school system remains in pretty desperate shape. But at least schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee is responding properly to its problems - by attempting innovative solutions.

As reported in The Washington Post, Ms. Rhee wants to give mid-level teachers an opportunity to drastically boost their pay - into the six-figure range - with bonuses and special awards. To be eligible, they would have to give up seniority and tenure rights, and submit to evaluation of how well they are boosting student achievement. This system would be voluntary, except for new teachers joining the D.C. schools.

Outside foundations are reportedly interested in bankrolling this new system. It would allow the top teachers to get the sort of compensation they merit.

Educators across the country will be watching to see if Ms. Rhee can get this promising idea off the ground.