Catching Up
I've been out of town the last 10 days. Just catching up to the flood of news, messages and emails.
I see the Post had a front-page story today on the privatization of the ABC system which is being studied by the Governor's Government Reform Commission. I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot on that in the next few weeks. There are a lot of interested parties who'd like to see the ABC franchise expanded. The Assembly needs to stay focused on what best represents the taxpayer and community, which has an interest in regulating the time, place and manner of alcohol sales.
Whatever happens I think it's foolish to talk about the revenue as a "transportation solution." That money will be a drop in the bucket and who knows whether it's a one-time cash infusion or an annual stream of revenue (as the current ABC system works). Also the transportation solution should be based on transportation revenues, not the sale of a state liquor franchise.
Will be posting shortly on my trip to Turkey ...
Hey Chap, I really do agree. Just don't see where it is a good thing to make liquor more available & I am in serious personal conflict whenever I hear of booze, lotteries & gambling as a way to finance health & education (mostly the case with MD). Really think I would be in favor of shrinking the state government or even reforming the school system more.
Chap, it may be a good idea to sell the ABC stores. The idea of government selling a drug just doesn't sit right with me. If it's done, however, some sort of limit on how they can lobby should beimposed (Yeah, 1st amendment issues.) The alcohol lobby in Maryland is ridiculously strong.