Student Voters Take a Gamble on Question 7

By Emily K. Rosser, ENGL336-001

On the morning of Election Day, students at Frostburg State University couldn't help but see the dollar signs behind Question 7.  The Gaming Expansion Referendum, one of several initiatives posed to Maryland voters on this year's ballot, will decide the "expansion of commercial gaming in the State of Maryland for the primary purpose of raising revenue for education," according to the State Board of Election's website.  The students who were polled acknowledged that increasing the number of casinos and gambling establishments in the state might have some adverse effects, but the revenue it would generate for the state is worth the risk.

"We need more money for schools," said Tonnisha Rodgers, a senior in the Exercise and Sports Science program, as she visited the Lane Center between classes.  "We're laying off teachers left and right, so we could definitely use that money."  Rodgers, like many other Maryland voters, is dismayed to see other states making money off the gambling industry while Maryland is missing out.   "My Aunt wants a casino so she doesn't have to go to another state.  This way, they won't get that money.  It will stay in Maryland," strengthening programs like education.

"I definitely accept Question 7!" John Sikalis, a senior in the Department of Accounting, enthusiastically stated.  "We lose over $500 million to other states--West Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania--by not having these people come to our casinos."  The crime, vagrancy, and social problems associated with the gambling industry, Sikalis says, do not pose enough of a risk to outweigh the financial gain.  "Crime and social problems all depend on where the casinos are located," Sikalis reasons.  "It depends on where we set them up."  He cites Atlantic City, N.J., and Las Vegas, Nev., as examples of cities where the crime stems from locals, rather than tourists visiting the casinos.  Baltimore, he says, for example, could handle the risks, while the entire state would benefit from the resulting boost in education budgets.

If the students of FSU are any indication of the sympathies of Maryland voters as a whole, Question 7 will win out across the state, turning the Gaming Expansion Referendum into gaming expansion legislation.

For more information on the language and details of Question 7, see the Maryland State Board of Elections website at www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2012/ballot_question_language.html#state3 .