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Who Does Jamie Benoit Work For?

John Frenaye | May 11, 2009, 08:51 AM | 2 Comments

County Councilman Appears To March To His Own Drummer

District 4 Councilman Jamie Benoit (D)

Once again, it seems that our elected representatives are more interested in their own agenda than in representing their constituents. Last week, our Republican County Executive was accused of sexual and physical harassment, and now it seems that Democratic Councilman Jamie Benoit from District 4 has decided to forge full speed ahead with his personal agenda despite the wishes of those that actually elected him! When will the voters wake up? Instead of just accepting the status quo “because that’s the way it has always been” do something about it!

Sunday’s Capital featured an article about slots (again) and District 4 Councilman Jamie Benoit was questioned about an alternative bid for slots. “To me, it really doesn’t matter where they are. They’re a horrible thing and a fool’s errand,” he said.

To me? To me? Jamie, what about to the 45,971 voters in your district that elected you to represent their interests? What about how they feel? How do you answer that question?

Wait, here’s the answer! The math does not lie. The State, the County, and Jamie’s very own district overwhelmingly approved the slots amendment last November. As a matter of fact, of the 33,912 people who turned out to vote, 19,716 voted for slots. Now, the Council is reducing funding for eduction, but it was presumed it was for schools–not Council members. This represents 58.1%. In any other election that would be considered a landslide.

But in the math challenged world of Jamie Benoit, apparently it is an insignificant number. Jamie, please don;t let your personal agenda interfere with the wishes and desires of those who placed you in office. You either represent your constituents effectively or you don’t. You were elected (and are paid) to do the right thing, even if it may go against your personal beliefs.

Voters, wake up!

Tags: Anne Arundel, Benoit, County Council, Slot Machines

Category: POLITICAL NEWS

About the Author - John Frenaye

John is the publisher and editor of Eye On Annapolis. As a resident and business owner in Anne Arundel County for nearly 25 years, he realized that there was something missing in terms of community news–and Eye On Annapolis was born in late spring 2009.

John’s background is in the travel industry as a business owner, industry speaker, and travel writer. In terms of blogging and social media, he cut his teeth with MSNBC.com.

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Comments (2)

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Brent B. says:

May 13, 2009 at 9:43 pm

I elect my politicians to show principle and courage even when those principles run counter to the desires of the public. I disagree with some of Benoit’s political views but I love this strong show of indepenedence.

Can you imagine the pressure he is under to fold to Martin O’Malley and Sen. Mike Miller who I might add are in the same party as Benoit? Not only is he standing up to the cronies in Annapolis, he is punching back and may well win the fight against two political giants. I am not sure how you can criticize political strength of character and then complain when politicians cower to the winds of political convenience.

I think we could use more Jamie Benoits in government.
Eye Spy says:

May 14, 2009 at 7:06 am

Character are fine and good. Admirable traits in a politician–albeit too few and far between. And yes, he stood up for HIS principles and stood up against Marty and Mike, but is that what he was elected to do? Or was he elected to represent the people of his community?

Obviously you are opposed to slots–and many (not the majority) are. I suppose that is the downside of a democracy–majority rules. Perhaps if more people took an interest and voted, this issue woudl be moot. But be that as it may, we voted for slots.

If you take slots out of this and say that there was an issue for an East Coast Bunny Ranch. Most of the community was opposed, but because a politician had a good time in Vegas and there is a tax benefit, he decides to vote in favor of allowing a 500 bed brothel. Would you be so fast to stand up and say he has the courage and fortitude to stand up for what he believes in? Or would you be calling for him to legislate upon the voice of the electorate?