When Del. Curtis S. Anderson says Baltimore has been a patronage town for years, he is so right ("Inquiry threatens Dixon's momentum," June 18). But when he uses that as an excuse for Mayor Sheila Dixon's ethical violations, he shows what is really wrong with Baltimore.
Until the voters stop voting for the one-party machine in this city and start voting for independent candidates, our budget will continue to fall short of funding programs we desperately need, such as Peer-to-Peer Youth Enterprises and transportation initiatives.
Until voters connect the corruption of our elected officials to the misery in this city and throw many of our alleged public servants out permanently, Baltimore's systemic problems will never change.
Maria Allwine, Baltimore
The writer is chairwoman of the Maryland Green Party.
Fair must provide a forum for speech
The Maryland State Fair is a quasi-public institution that has in the past received significant financial support from the state and hopes to receive more in the future, particularly if slot machines are legalized ("Slots an issue at fair," June 16).
In seeking and receiving taxpayer support, it has surely assumed some obligation to respect the free speech rights of citizens.
I do not believe it should be allowed to practice censorship by denying a booth to an anti-slots group.
The fair manager's suggestion that the group would only be permitted a booth if a pro-slots group also wanted one would effectively give slots supporters veto power: They have only to say they don't want a booth and the slots opponents are denied one.
Katharine W. Rylaarsdam, Baltimore
Need to fight slots in every forum
The Maryland State Fair management should surely not be allowed to pick and choose who can rent a booth at the fair ("Slots an issue at fair," June 16).
In this case, the issue is the Nov. 4 referendum asking Marylanders to vote on an amendment to the state constitution about legalizing slots casinos across the state.
The well-known adverse effects of big-time slots gambling in other states give us legitimate reason to oppose the referendum in every public forum.
Just ask New Jersey residents how much slots casinos have reduced their taxes and improved their quality of life.
Dave Thompson, Elkton
The writer is Cecil County chairman for Stop Slots Maryland.
Poster program deters drug use
